EU unveils €1.1bn transport infrastructure fund to boost connectivity

Economy & Policy, Europe-Asia

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Commission has launched a €1.1 billion call for proposals to modernise and expand transport infrastructure across Europe under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The funding package, announced under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), is the final transport infrastructure call under the European Union’s 2021–2027 long-term budget framework.

According to the Commission, the initiative will support major transport projects aimed at advancing high-speed rail development, strengthening maritime connectivity and improving military mobility across the bloc.

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The programme also prioritises rail transport, the decarbonisation of maritime operations and the removal of bottlenecks affecting military mobility.

In addition, funding will support the electrification of road freight transport and airport ground operations, deployment of charging infrastructure in ports and the digitalisation of road transport systems.

The Commission said the programme aligns with the EU’s industrial maritime and ports strategies, as well as its industrial action plan for the automotive sector.

Ukraine and Moldova have also been included in the funding scheme, reflecting their growing transport integration with the European Union.

The CEF serves as the EU’s flagship instrument for financing and implementing transport infrastructure projects under the TEN-T policy.

The Commission said projects selected under the 2026 call would contribute to the development of smarter, more efficient and sustainable transport networks while enhancing interoperability and resilience across Europe.

Applications for the funding programme will close on October 6, 2026.

The Commission noted that the investment is expected to strengthen connectivity, support economic growth and accelerate the transition to greener transport systems across the continent.