The European Commission has announced a record €7 billion investment in sustainable, safe, and smart transport infrastructure through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). This marks the largest call under the current CEF Transport programme, with funds allocated to 134 projects.
Climate Focus:
About 83% of the funding targets EU climate objectives, enhancing the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network. Rail projects, crucial for sustainability, will receive 80% of the €7 billion. As part of this initiative, the revised TEN-T Regulation will come into effect on July 18.
Major Projects:
Significant investments will improve cross-border rail connections, including:
- Rail Baltica: Linking Baltic States.
- Lyon-Turin: Connecting France and Italy.
- Fehmarnbelt Tunnel: Bridging Denmark and Germany.
Port Upgrades:
Approximately 20 maritime ports across Europe, from Ireland to Poland, will benefit from infrastructure enhancements. These upgrades will support shore-side electricity supply and renewable energy transport. Key beneficiaries include ports in Ireland, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Lithuania, Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, and Poland.
Waterway and Road Improvements:
Cross-border inland waterway projects will enhance connections between France and Belgium (Seine-Scheldt basin) and Romania and Bulgaria (Danube). Inland ports in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands will also receive funding to promote sustainable transport via Europe’s rivers and canals.
Road transport will see advancements with the deployment of cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS) and the creation of new, secure parking areas, enhancing safety for all road users.
Air Traffic and EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes:
Air traffic management projects aim to develop a Single European Sky for more efficient, safer, and sustainable air transport. Additionally, several projects will increase capacity along the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, facilitating trade between Ukraine and the EU. These include border infrastructure enhancements and the integration of the Ukrainian railway system into the EU network.
Following the approval of these projects by Member States, the European Commission will adopt the financing decision. The Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) will prepare the grant agreements. These results are provisional until the Commission adopts the corresponding award decision.
By investing in these strategic projects, the EU aims to modernize its transport infrastructure, promote sustainability, and enhance cross-border connectivity, reinforcing the European Green Deal’s objectives.
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