THE European Commission (EC) has launched a call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport, with more than €7bn available for projects targeting new, upgraded and improved transport infrastructure on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
The projects selected for funding will help the European Union (EU) deliver on its climate objectives, and cover rail as well as:
- intermodal terminals
- multimodal logistics platforms
- multimodal passenger hubs
- smart and interoperable applications for transport
- safe and secure mobility, and
- infrastructure resilience.
Projects bolstering the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, set up to facilitate Ukraine's exports and imports, will also be eligible. For the first time, entities from Ukraine and Moldova can apply directly for EU funding with this call following the signature of CEF Association Agreements with the two countries earlier this year.
“This call for proposals will be the largest in terms of available budget under the 2021-2027 Connecting Europe Facility,” says EC commissioner for transport, Ms Adina Vălean. “We are making available more than €7bn for projects that will support a smart and sustainable transport system, with a strong focus on cross-border projects between member states.
“These challenging times have also reinforced the importance of having a strong transport network of railways, inland waterways and maritime routes which will increase our industry's competitiveness, bring citizens closer together, and anchor Ukraine and Moldova firmly into the EU.”
Infrastructure projects funded under this call will improve safety and interoperability within the EU transport network. The call also covers projects improving the resilience of transport infrastructure against natural disasters. The EC says that this investment will strengthen connectivity to bolster the competitiveness of the internal market for both passengers and freight, for higher quality of life and lower emissions.
A virtual information day on the 2023 CEF Transport call for proposals will be held on October 10. Applicants are invited to submit their proposals by January 30 2024.
