CEF 2025 Transport Investment: A Strategic Boost for Sustainable, Cohesive and Connected European Mobility
As the EU prepares for the next phase of budgetary programming, investments like the €2.8 billion allocation under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) show how European transport policy aligns with long-term cohesion, sustainability, and resilience goals. The 94 selected projects, approved this month, are about upgrading transport infrastructure, as well as ensuring that no region is left behind in Europe’s green and digital transition.
Working with cohesion policy at the heart of the European Parliament, I see the added value when funding mechanisms directly strengthen territorial integration, economic competitiveness, and social inclusion across the Union.
Rail at the heart of climate and cohesion ambitions
With 77% of the funding directed toward rail, this call represents the EU’s clear commitment to placing rail transport at the centre of its Green Deal. It also ensures that cohesion countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and Greece receive critical support for high-speed and interoperable infrastructure through core TEN-T corridors. The Rail Baltica project remains a flagship example of strategic cross-border investment, linking the Baltic States more closely to the European single market.
The roll-out of ERTMS across 32 projects in 11 Member States is a move toward interoperability and digital synchronisation, aligning with long-standing calls to modernise transnational rail.
Ports, inland waterways and smart logistics
Maritime and inland waterway transport remain key to the EU’s modal shift strategy. This round of investment includes the installation of shore-side electricity in ports from Ireland to Malta, reducing emissions while boosting the economic viability of short-sea shipping.
Importantly, inland waterways — often under-utilised in EU transport debates — receive attention in France and Belgium, where digital solutions will enhance cargo tracking and environmental performance.
Local impact, urban mobility and citizen-centred transport
A priority for those of us working on EU regional and urban development is ensuring that cities are not sidelined in trans-European projects. With CEF support now funding multimodal passenger hubs in cities like Leuven, Bolzano, and Nice, we are seeing a growing alignment between transport investment and the urban dimension of EU policy. These hubs make multimodality a reality, providing seamless access across public transport systems.
Additionally, safe and secure parking and intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) across 10 Member States will make roads not only more efficient but also safer, particularly for freight and last-mile logistics.
Geopolitical and strategic resilience
Beyond climate and connectivity, the EU is reinforcing strategic infrastructure along its eastern border. New support for the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, including the gradual adaptation of Ukrainian rail infrastructure to EU gauge standards, is a powerful investment in both cohesion and security.
Equally notable is the inclusion of the Arctic region in this funding round, ensuring resilient transport links in the face of climate change and supporting regional accessibility.
Final Thoughts
As we approach the final stretch of the 2021–2027 MFF, the near full allocation of CEF funds reflects the EU’s resolve to use its budget as a lever for transformation. This funding round is a blueprint for how future cohesion and transport policy can work hand in hand; rooted in solidarity, designed for impact, and built for Europe’s shared future.
