Home News Global Gateway launches a new instrument: Early-Stage Investment Mechanism – Call for Proposals
Under the Global Gateway initiative, the European Commission has introduced a new instrument — the Early-Stage Investment Mechanism — aimed at supporting investment projects in the early stages of preparation.
The objective of the mechanism is to help European companies develop high-quality, investment-ready projects through technical assistance. The support focuses primarily on financing feasibility studies, risk assessments, and the preparation of financial and investment structures.
This is the first instrument under which EU grant funding will be made directly available to private companies from EU Member States through an open competitive selection process.
The mechanism will provide support amounting to approximately EUR 0.5 to 2 million, to be distributed across around 20 to 30 smaller grants intended for the preparatory phases of projects.
Projects from the following key sectors will be supported:
Transport
Energy
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence
Sustainable urban and territorial development
Supported projects must be aligned with the objectives of the Global Gateway initiative and should have the potential for follow-up financing, for example from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the European Investment Bank, development finance institutions, or private investors.
The deadline for submitting applications is 16 March 2026 at 12:00 (Brussels time).
The European Commission will also organise an information webinar, which will take place on 20 January 2026. Registration is open until 16 January 2026.
Further information and detailed conditions are available on the European Commission’s website.