The European Commission has recently initiated a call for proposals for the transport sector under the Connecting Europe Facility- CEF. There is a funding opportunity of more than €7 billion for projects that aim to enhance European transport infra on the trans-European transport network- TEN-T. These projects can focus on various forms of transport, such as that of rail, inland waterways, maritime as well as inland ports, and roads. The projects that have been selected to get funding will assist the European Union so as to accomplish its climate objectives.
Projects that assist the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes and that were created to ease the export and import operations of Ukraine will also be considered to be eligible. This call allows organisations from Ukraine as well as Moldova to apply right away for EU funding, marking the first time since the signing of their CEF Association Agreements with the 2 nations earlier this year.
The Commissioner for Transport, Adina Valaen, announced that this call for suggestions will have the largest budgetary allocation under the 2021–2027 Connecting Europe Facility. They are allocating more than €7 billion to fund across projects that will promote a smart as well as sustainable transport system, with a special focus on cross-border efforts among Member States. The current challenging times have increased the significance of a robust transport network, which comprises of the railways, inland waterways, and maritime routes. Such a network will go on to enhance the competitiveness of the industry, encourage closer connections among citizens, and firmly incorporate Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union.
The funding offered for infra projects under this call looks to enhance safety along with promoting interoperability within the transport network of the European Union. The call also includes projects that look forward to put forth the endurance of transport infrastructure in the face of natural disasters. These investments aim to build up connectivity, thereby improving the viability of the internal market for passengers and also goods. This will go on to result in an improved standard of living as well as reduced emissions.
These calls offer a total of EUR 7 billion in funding for projects that aim to enhance and develop European transport infrastructure.
The projects that go on to receive funding through these calls will contribute to enhancing the long-term viability of the trans-European transport network. This will enable the EU to make major advances towards achieving the European Green Deal’s ambitious goal of diminishing transport emissions by 90% by 2050.
Creating a sustainable and intelligent mobility system for the future
The calls align with the European Commission’s view of a future sustainable transport system, which aims to implement smart and also resilient solutions to improve connectivity across Europe.
The EU requires a highly efficient and well-connected multimodal transportation system that meets the needs of passengers as well as cargo. The goals of the transportation network include cost-effectiveness, dependability, and efficacy for the rail system, boosted navigation and infrastructure for inland waterways and maritime ports, a well-balanced connection between different modes of transport, and greater automation and connectivity for greater safety and effectiveness.
Who is responsible for determining which projects will be awarded grants?
The European Commission/CINEA will go on to assess proposals with the assistance of outside specialists selected from a separate expert database. Candidates can expect to receive the assessment findings within a maximum of 6 months after the submission deadline. Following this, agreements for grants will be inked within 9 months of the submission due date.
