The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals to provide grant funding to EU companies for early-stage project preparation & pilot projects in sustainable infrastructure in partner countries, including in Latin America. The aim of this Global Gateway Early-Stage Investment Mechanism (ESIM) call is to make pre-investment projects “bankable”.
💶 Grant Size: 40.58 million, €0.5 – 2M per project
🎯 For who: startups, SMEs, large companies, consortia, JVs & PPPs established in the EU
🇪🇺 EU Financing: Up to 90%.
⏳ Deadline: 16 March 2026
Funding is targeted at the following priority sectors:
🚝 Transport
⚡ Energy
🤖 Artificial Intelligence for Green Transition
🌆 Urban Development
🛤️ Railways in Latin America
Eligible activities for funding are pre-investment studies, feasibility studies, technical assistance, regulatory recommendations, training, master plans and demonstration projects to test EU business models, technologies and concepts.
A few examples of actions that can be funded under this call for proposals are: preparatory work for renewable and low-carbon fuels development (aviation & maritime), sustainable port & airport investments, smart urban mobility systems and sustainable and smart cities applications & solutions.
Railway Projects in Latin America / Panama
Regarding the support for the planning, project structuring and project development of railway projects in Latin America (Lot 5), the call mentions the Panama-Chiriqui railroad, Metro Line 3 and Panama Canal Expansion regarding Panama.
📝 Deadline for submission: 16 March 2026, 12:00 Brussels Time.
💡Find out more about the call & how to apply here: ESIM EU Call for Proposals