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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must position itself as a transformative Societal Readiness pilot that directly tackles transport poverty and forced car ownership by validating integrated, community-driven multimodal mobility across at least 4 diverse EU/AC pilot regions. Key strategic leverage comes from mandating local public and transport authorities as active consortium beneficiaries, strictly avoiding the reinvention of digital platforms, and systematically embedding gender and vulnerability dimensions into real-world operational models.
TRL 4 → 8
Building on the outcome of previous calls and existing knowledge (e.g. SMARTA-NET [1] , the study on Novel policy ideas for a shift to low-carbon mobility [2] , the study on Transport poverty: definitions, indicators, determinants, and mitigation strategies [3] and other relevant EU-funded projects [4] ), and drawing on the feedback experience of existing innovative mobility solutions (e.g. SMARTA-NET Catalogue of rural shared mobility solutions [5] ), investigate strategies to enhance availability and accessibility of sustainable and inclusive transport services in sparsely populated regions with limited transport options.
Analyse the demand for mobility services in regions and communities affected by transport poverty and investigate which drivers could facilitate transport users in a vulnerable situation (including consideration of gender disparities in mobility and access to transport) to use public transport or other shared mobility options (including e.g. underutilised regional and secondary rail lines or feeder services to main rail corridors).
Develop new sustainable and inclusive integrated multimodal solutions that ensure seamless transitions between rural and urban transport modes, improving first- and last-mile connectivity. Solutions should focus on vulnerable and low-income households (including consideration of gender disparities in mobility and access to transport), and should combine, in an optimal (economic, social, environmental, and operational) way, the various modal transport offers to go beyond forced car ownership. Developing new digital platforms is out of the scope of this topic.
Each proposal must include pilot demonstrations in at least 4 pilot sites. The pilot demonstrations must cover 4 different areas across the EU and Associated Countries ensuring geographical balance and diversity of issues addressed (e.g. presence or not of transport services such as regional trains, frequency of services, population density). Each proposed issue must be addressed in at least two pilots. The pilots must be community-driven, carried out under the lead or with the involvement of rural/local/regional public authorities/administrations and the local transport authorities, and these entities must be included in the consortium as beneficiaries.
Elaborate and propose plans for a possible implementation of the developed and tested solutions by local authorities and transport authorities/operators.
Through the active engagement of public transport operators, local authorities, rural communities, and civil society organisations, through the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) [6] , elaborate a roadmap to implement and scaling up the tested solutions, while ensuring widespread adoption across diverse regional contexts.
Proposals should follow the instructions applying to the Societal Readiness pilot, as described in the introduction of the Horizon Europe Main Work Programme 2026-2027 for Climate, Energy and Mobility. They entail the use of an interdisciplinary approach to deepening consideration and responsiveness of research and innovation activities to societal needs and concerns.
Strategies, best practices and innovative solutions are made available to local authorities and actors to improve the availability, accessibility, and affordability of rural-urban transport and provide rural and urban populations in a vulnerable situation with better access to services and opportunities;
Integrated multimodal solutions, which ensure seamless transitions between rural and urban transport modes improving first- and last-mile connectivity, are piloted and related implementation plans are developed for/by local authorities and transport operators;
Improved mobility for people and goods in all weather conditions, ensuring safe, shared, inclusive, affordable, attractive, and accessible door-to-door mobility, for private and public transport in mixed traffic and confined areas, as well as open roads.
Seamless integration of CCAM solutions into existing transport ecosystems to ensure interoperability, promote multimodality, enhance traffic safety, catering to diverse user needs and behaviours.
Resilient, climate-neutral, and sustainable mobility solutions with reduced carbon footprints, resulting in greener, less congested, cost-effective, and demand-responsive transport systems.
Increased competitiveness of the transport system using secure and hyper-advanced technologies such as real-time perception, situational awareness, and decision-making systems, based on trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (including Edge and Generative AI), satellite navigation, smart traffic management, and tools for software development for CCAM applications.
Enhanced resilience of transport networks through improved operational efficiency for both passenger and intermodal freight transport, future-proofed mobility systems supporting EU competitiveness while ensuring affordable and accessible transport for all passengers.
Drastic reduction in road fatalities for all types of users, especially on rural areas
Improved resilience of the public transport system via the use of AI
Advanced technologies and methods for improved reliability in complex environments for aviation
Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy
highThe Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy sets the blueprint for the EU transport sector to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It focuses on making transport green, smart, and resilient through multimodal connectivity, digitalization, automation, and social equity.
Evaluators expect proposals to directly address seamless, accessible, and affordable multimodal mobility systems, clearly showing how the proposed solutions improve rural-urban connectivity and support a fair, inclusive transition for all users.
European Green Deal
highThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource use. It encompasses various policy areas, including climate, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal, particularly in areas relevant to food systems, such as reducing environmental impact, fostering sustainability, enhancing resource efficiency, and contributing to climate neutrality. Specific links to relevant Green Deal strategies (e.g., Farm to Fork, Biodiversity) are expected.
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Involvement of local authorities as beneficiaries
Rural, local, or regional public authorities or administrations and the local transport authorities must lead or be involved in the pilots and must be included in the consortium as beneficiaries.
Exclusion of legal entities established in China
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
The following additional eligibility criteria apply:
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Not applicable.
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will rigorously score proposals against compliance with mandatory eligibility criteria: at least 4 pilot sites across EU/AC representing balanced geographies and challenges, mandatory partnership of local/regional transport authorities as beneficiaries, and cross-pilot validation where each challenge is tackled in at least two sites. Furthermore, evaluators will assess how genuinely the methodology applies the Societal Readiness Level (SRL) framework (integrating SSH, co-creation, and behavioral drivers) and whether it effectively leverages the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) and CIVITAS for scaling without proposing redundant digital platforms.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Building on the outcome of previous calls and existing knowledge (e.g. SMARTA-NET [1] , the study on Novel policy ideas for a shift to low-carbon mobility [2] , the study on Transport poverty: definitions, indicators, determinants, and mitigation strategies [3] and other relevant EU-funded projects [4] ), and drawing on the feedback experience of existing innovative mobility solutions (e.g. SMARTA-NET Catalogue of rural shared mobility solutions [5] ), investigate strategies to enhance availability and accessibility of sustainable and inclusive transport services in sparsely populated regions with limited transport options. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Analyse the demand for mobility services in regions and communities affected by transport poverty and investigate which drivers could facilitate transport users in a vulnerable situation (including consideration of gender disparities in mobility and access to transport) to use public transport or other shared mobility options (including e.g. underutilised regional and secondary rail lines or feeder services to main rail corridors). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Develop new sustainable and inclusive integrated multimodal solutions that ensure seamless transitions between rural and urban transport modes, improving first- and last-mile connectivity. Solutions should focus on vulnerable and low-income households (including consideration of gender disparities in mobility and access to transport), and should combine, in an optimal (economic, social, environmental, and operational) way, the various modal transport offers to go beyond forced car ownership. Developing new digital platforms is out of the scope of this topic. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Each proposal must include pilot demonstrations in at least 4 pilot sites. The pilot demonstrations must cover 4 different areas across the EU and Associated Countries ensuring geographical balance and diversity of issues addressed (e.g. presence or not of transport services such as regional trains, frequency of services, population density). Each proposed issue must be addressed in at least two pilots. The pilots must be community-driven, carried out under the lead or with the involvement of rural/local/regional public authorities/administrations and the local transport authorities, and these entities must be included in the consortium as beneficiaries. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Elaborate and propose plans for a possible implementation of the developed and tested solutions by local authorities and transport authorities/operators. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Through the active engagement of public transport operators, local authorities, rural communities, and civil society organisations, through the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) [6] , elaborate a roadmap to implement and scaling up the tested solutions, while ensuring widespread adoption across diverse regional contexts. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Proposals should follow the instructions applying to the Societal Readiness pilot, as described in the introduction of the Horizon Europe Main Work Programme 2026-2027 for Climate, Energy and Mobility. They entail the use of an interdisciplinary approach to deepening consideration and responsiveness of research and innovation activities to societal needs and concerns. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Strategies, best practices and innovative solutions are made available to local authorities and actors to improve the availability, accessibility, and affordability of rural-urban transport and provide rural and urban populations in a vulnerable situation with better access to services and opportunities; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Integrated multimodal solutions, which ensure seamless transitions between rural and urban transport modes improving first- and last-mile connectivity, are piloted and related implementation plans are developed for/by local authorities and transport operators; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Collaboration within CIVITAS initiative via Memorandum of UnderstandingProposals must plan for active collaboration among selected projects for dissemination, evaluation, and coordination facilitated by the CIVITAS initiative through a Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring appropriate resources in the work plan. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS space dataIf projects use satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (including services like OSNMA and HAS where appropriate). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Effective integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) expertiseThis topic requires the effective contribution of relevant SSH expertise and an interdisciplinary approach to deepen responsiveness to societal needs under the Societal Readiness pilot. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Engagement with European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) and stakeholdersProposals must elaborate a scaling roadmap through the active engagement of public transport operators, local authorities, rural communities, and civil society organisations via the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Direct involvement of local and transport authorities as beneficiariesCommunity-driven pilot demonstrations across at least 4 pilot sites must be carried out under the lead or involvement of local/regional public administrations and transport authorities, which must be consortium beneficiaries. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Improved mobility for people and goods in all weather conditions, ensuring safe, shared, inclusive, affordable, attractive, and accessible door-to-door mobility, for private and public transport in mixed traffic and confined areas, as well as open roads. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Seamless integration of CCAM solutions into existing transport ecosystems to ensure interoperability, promote multimodality, enhance traffic safety, catering to diverse user needs and behaviours. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Resilient, climate-neutral, and sustainable mobility solutions with reduced carbon footprints, resulting in greener, less congested, cost-effective, and demand-responsive transport systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Increased competitiveness of the transport system using secure and hyper-advanced technologies such as real-time perception, situational awareness, and decision-making systems, based on trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (including Edge and Generative AI), satellite navigation, smart traffic management, and tools for software development for CCAM applications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Enhanced resilience of transport networks through improved operational efficiency for both passenger and intermodal freight transport, future-proofed mobility systems supporting EU competitiveness while ensuring affordable and accessible transport for all passengers. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Drastic reduction in road fatalities for all types of users, especially on rural areas | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Improved resilience of the public transport system via the use of AI | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8Advanced technologies and methods for improved reliability in complex environments for aviation | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1sustainable and smart mobility strategyThe Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy sets the blueprint for the EU transport sector to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It focuses on making transport green, smart, and resilient through multimodal connectivity, digitalization, automation, and social equity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2european green dealThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource use. It encompasses various policy areas, including climate, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and biodiversity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Involvement of local authorities as beneficiaries
Rural, local, or regional public authorities or administrations and the local transport authorities must lead or be involved in the pilots and must be included in the consortium as beneficiaries.
Exclusion of legal entities established in China
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
A proposal will fail the eligibility check if it does not include rural/local/regional public authorities and local transport authorities as formal consortium beneficiaries. These entities cannot merely be stakeholders or advisory board members; they must actively lead or be directly involved in the community-driven pilot demonstrations.
Source: Eligibility
The call mandates at least 4 pilot sites across different EU/AC areas, but imposes a strict cross-validation rule: each proposed issue must be addressed in at least two pilots. Your proposal architecture must explicitly map every transport poverty challenge to a minimum of two distinct geographical sites to pass the evaluation threshold.
Source: Scope
Because this is designated as a Societal Readiness pilot, evaluators will rigorously score the integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and behavioral drivers. Proposals that treat user engagement as a standard communication task rather than applying a formal Societal Readiness Level (SRL) framework will be heavily penalized in the Excellence criterion.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
The development of new digital platforms is explicitly out of scope. Any work package or budget allocation dedicated to building a new mobility app or routing software from scratch will trigger severe scoring penalties. The technical focus must remain strictly on integrating existing solutions to solve forced car ownership.
Source: Scope
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