The European Commission has announced a significant financial boost for EU transport infrastructure, with €2.5 billion allocated under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport. This funding will support a wide range of projects aimed at enhancing and modernizing the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The investment is designed to improve connectivity, reduce bottlenecks, and foster greener, more sustainable transport solutions across member states.
Supporting Sustainable Transport and Connectivity
As part of the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade, the CEF Transport initiative prioritizes the shift towards environmentally friendly, digitalized, and efficient transport networks. The available funding will help meet the EU’s climate goals by encouraging projects that promote sustainable transport modes such as rail, inland waterways, and multimodal connections. Key areas of focus include decarbonizing the transport sector and addressing the challenges posed by increasing cross-border traffic and urbanization.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, emphasized that “the CEF Transport funding plays a crucial role in making our transport network greener, safer, and smarter. This is key for the EU’s long-term competitiveness and the well-being of its citizens.”
Fostering European Integration and Competitiveness
The CEF Transport call for proposals covers projects across all EU member states and aims to ensure the efficient movement of goods and people. Strategic corridors, such as the TEN-T core network corridors, are a critical focus, as they link major urban areas, ports, and industrial hubs across Europe. In particular, the initiative will enhance the economic competitiveness of regions, streamline cross-border logistics, and provide more reliable access to key transport routes.
With this funding, member states and project developers are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the EU’s broader goals of seamless mobility and energy-efficient transport. The projects will contribute to reducing congestion, improving safety, and ensuring the reliable transit of goods—crucial for Europe’s supply chains and economic resilience.
Digitalization and Innovation: A Future-Forward Approach
In addition to fostering physical infrastructure, the CEF Transport funding will also support digital transformation initiatives. Projects focused on intelligent transport systems (ITS), digital solutions for traffic management, and automated and connected mobility are particularly encouraged. These innovations will ensure that Europe’s transport infrastructure is future-proofed, capable of handling increasing demand while reducing environmental impact.
The European Commission has set clear guidelines to encourage cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that projects tap into the latest technological advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and energy-efficient technologies. This approach will drive progress not only in the transport sector but also in aligning Europe’s broader digital transformation goals with sustainability.
How to Apply for Funding
Public and private entities can submit their project proposals until January 2025. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, and alignment with EU strategic priorities. Projects will also be assessed on their potential to integrate multimodal transport solutions and improve cross-border connectivity.
This substantial investment represents a unique opportunity for the European transport sector to undergo transformative change, positioning the EU as a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility.
For further details on how to apply and eligibility requirements, visit the European Commission’s CEF Transport portal – CEF Transport: €2.5 billion available for infrastructure projects across the EU – European Commission (europa.eu)