This call has now closed
Global Gateway is the EU strategy to address global infrastructure investment gaps by aligning partner-country needs with EU strategic interests and promoting sustainable development. EU companies have the expertise and technology to address this gap but often lack financial tools to de-risk initial phases and make projects bankable. As a result, the Early-Stage Investment Mechanism directs EU financial support to mobilize private sector know-how, reduce project risk, and unlock sustainable infrastructure investments aligned with EU standards and Global Gateway objectives.
The main objective of this call for proposals is to use EU know-how, experience and technology to ensure that strategic and promising infrastructure projects proposed by EU companies in partner countries can advance from initial planning and feasibility stages to implementation and financing. This will contribute to de-risking the early-stage projects and promote EU policy frameworks and standards, making projects more attractive to both domestic and international investors. By directly providing financial support for pre-investment preparation, this initiative hopes to unlock significant infrastructure improvements in partner countries and create new market opportunities for the EU private sector, contributing to economic development, job creation, connectivity and regional integration.
The global objective of this call for proposals is to support increased EU private sector investment in strategic infrastructure projects, thereby fostering the green transition of partner countries and promoting their socio-economic development.
The specific objectives of this call for proposals are:
- To increase the involvement of EU private sector in preparing sustainable infrastructure projects in partner countries, enhancing European footprint in the world and aligning with the Global Gateway strategy.
- To enhance the quality and bankability of infrastructure projects in the transport, artificial intelligence, energy and urban development sectors.
- To facilitate the implementation of sustainable infrastructure projects that are aligned with beneficiary countries' priorities and EU strategic interest and policy.
To learn more about this call, please visit the EU Funding & Tender Portal.
Applicants:
LEAD APPLICANT (Mandatory)
- Legal person established in EU Member State
- Private or public entity: startups, SMEs, large companies, consortia, JVs
- Government-linked companies, SOEs, PPPs
- Research institutions & universities (Lot 2 only)
Cannot be Lead Applicant
- State authorities, ministries, public agencies
- Regional and local authorities
- International organizations
CO-APPLICANT & AFFILIATED ENTITIES (Optional)
- Co-applicants: local entities (including state authorities, regional/local authorities, international organizations), research institutions
- Affiliated entities: entities with structural link (subsidiaries, parent companies, sister companies, network members)
Action Requirements:
- Duration: 12–36 months
- Pre-investment focus to improve project quality, bankability, and sustainability
- EU know-how: innovative solutions adapted to local context, based on EU standards and best practices
- Scalability & replicability: multiplier effects, potential to unlock Team Europe investment
- Complementarity: avoid duplication, align with existing initiatives
- Clear, tangible deliverables: studies, tools, pilots…
Location:
- Lots 1 - 3: Transport, AI, Energy
- Global with focus in DG INTPA partner countries (SSA, LAC, Asia-Pacific)
- Lot 4: Urban development
- Actions must take place in DG INTPA partner countries (SSA, LAC, Asia-Pacific)
- Lot 5: Railways in LAC
- Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Brazil, Guatemala, Chile, Uruguay
Please refer to the EU Funding & Tender Portal for more eligibility guidance.