The objective of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is to accelerate investments in Europe’s transport, energy, and digital infrastructure networks, so it is a key EU funding instrument for infrastructure investment at European level.
Objective(s) and scope
CEF Transport serves as the funding instrument to implement the European Transport Infrastructure policy. It primarily aims to support investments in building new transport infrastructure across Europe, as well as rehabilitating and upgrading the existing one. The policy objectives of the Trans-European Networks for Transport (TEN-T) include:
- Completion of the Core Network by 2030, structured around nine multimodal Core Network Corridors.
- Completion of the Comprehensive Network by 2050 in order to facilitate accessibility to all European regions.
CEF Transport prioritises on cross-border projects and projects aiming at removing bottlenecks or bridging missing links in various sections of the Core Network and on the Comprehensive Network. It also focuses on horizontal priorities such as traffic management systems. Furthermore, CEF Transport encourages innovation in the transport system to optimise infrastructure usage, minimise the environmental impact of transport, improve energy efficiency and increase safety.
Financing value
A total of EUR 25.8 billion over the period 2021-2027 to support transport infrastructure projects
Eligibility criteria (if available)
Actions which contribute to building, developing, modernising and completing the trans-European networks in the transport, energy and digital sectors, whilst also taking into account long-term decarbonisation commitments, shall be eligible for funding. Such actions include studies, works and other accompanying measures necessary for the management and implementation of the CEF and the sector-specific guidelines.
The AFIF requires the combination of grants and financing. The applications must include the proof of the agreement of the implementing partner or finance institution to provide financing to the proposed action.
In terms of eligible entities, only legal entities and joint ventures established in EU countries are eligible.
Application period
Between 2021 – 2027 different calls to be publish under the CEF Transport subprogramme.
Project example(s)
Improving safe maritime access, port infrastructure and connectivity of a remote region, Kemi, Finland: Factsheet 21-FI-TG-ARCTIC ACCESS
Links
CEF Transport – Transport infrastructure - European Commission
CEF Transport advisory group: a platform to discuss ways to improve the efficient implementation of CEF Transport for the beneficiaries, Member States and the Agency/Commission.
