The European Commission has earmarked over €7 billion in EU grants for 134 transport projects under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), marking the largest funding call under the current CEF Transport program. Approximately 83% of this funding will focus on projects aligned with the EU’s climate objectives, mainly aimed at enhancing and modernizing rail, inland waterways, and maritime routes within the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.

Key highlights include:
– Rail Funding: A significant portion—80% of the €7 billion—will be allocated to rail projects designed to bolster cross-border connections within the TEN-T core network. Notable initiatives include:
– The Rail Baltica project in the Baltic Member States.
– The Lyon-Turin rail connection between France and Italy.
– The Fehmarnbelt tunnel linking Denmark and Germany.

– Maritime Support: Around 20 ports across countries such as Ireland, Spain, Finland, and the Netherlands will receive funding for infrastructure enhancements, including shore-side electricity supply for ships and renewable energy transportation.

– Inland Waterways: Infrastructure improvements will enhance connectivity in the Seine-Scheldt basin between France and Belgium and along the Danube between Romania and Bulgaria, with funding directed towards inland ports in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.

– Road Transport Enhancements: Investments in cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems and safe parking areas aim to improve safety and security for all road users.

– Air Traffic Management: Ongoing projects aimed at developing a Single European Sky will enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air transport.

– Support for Ukraine: Several projects will enhance capacity on the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, facilitating better import and export processes between Ukraine and EU nations, with specific improvements at border crossing points and integration efforts for the Ukrainian railway system into the EU transport network.

Next steps involve the formal adoption of the financing decision by the Commission, after which the CINEA will prepare grant agreements. The selected projects resulted from a competitive selection process with a total of 408 applications submitted before the January 2024 deadline. The funds are part of a broader €25.8 billion budget available for the 2021-2027 CEF Transport program, which has previously supported over 1,500 projects with €37.5 billion since 2014. The updated TEN-T Regulation, effective July 18, aims to foster a more sustainable and resilient transport network within the EU, promoting sustainable transport, digitalization, and addressing climate and military mobility challenges.

Read more at The European Commission