Record Investment in EU Transport: €7 Billion for Rail, Ports, and Green Transport

The European Commission has unveiled a historic €7 billion investment in sustainable, safe, and smart transport infrastructure through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). This is the largest funding allocation under the current CEF Transport program, supporting 134 projects designed to advance EU climate objectives and enhance the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.

Approximately 83% of the funds are earmarked for climate-related initiatives, with rail projects receiving a significant 80% of the total investment. This focus on rail is pivotal for sustainability efforts, as the revised TEN-T Regulation takes effect on July 18.

Major Projects and Investments:

Rail Baltica: This project aims to connect the Baltic States, enhancing regional connectivity and reducing travel times.

Lyon-Turin: Linking France and Italy, this project will facilitate faster and more efficient rail transport across borders.

Fehmarnbelt Tunnel: Bridging Denmark and Germany, this project will provide a critical connection for both passenger and freight transport.

Port Upgrades:

Approximately 20 maritime ports across Europe, from Ireland to Poland, will receive significant infrastructure enhancements. These upgrades will support the supply of shore-side electricity and the transport of renewable energy. Key ports benefiting from these investments include those in Ireland, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Lithuania, Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, and Poland.

Waterway and Road Improvements:

Several cross-border inland waterway projects are set to enhance connections, including:

• Seine-Scheldt Basin: Improving links between France and Belgium.
• Danube: Enhancing connectivity between Romania and Bulgaria.

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 to enhance safety for all road users.

Air Traffic and EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes:

Air traffic management projects aim to develop a Single European Sky, ensuring 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 initiatives 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.