A call for proposals launched on 16 September under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport programme makes available 7 billion euros for projects targeting new, upgraded and improved European transport infrastructure. The majority of projects funded under this call will help to increase the sustainability of the overall transport network of the EU. This should put it on track to meet the European Green Deal objective of cutting transport emissions by 90 per cent by 2050.

The call supports the European Commission’s vision of sustainable, smart and resilient mobility. As the sector recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it must build back better, using the opportunity to further develop sustainable transport modes and technologies and to fully exploit the opportunities offered by digital technologies.

Build up funds

The EU needs an efficient and interconnected multimodal transport system for both passengers and freight. This must include an affordable, high-speed rail network, abundant recharging and refuelling infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles, and increased automation for greater efficiency and safety.

The call addresses these points with:

• 5.175 billion euros for infrastructure projects on the TEN-T network
• 1.575 billion euros for a new Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Facility implemented through a rolling call until 2023
• 330 million euros for the adaptation of the TEN-T to civilian-defence dual-use (Military Mobility envelope)