Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) Transport: EU funding for European transport infrastructure

Updated on 7 September 2026

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) Transport is the EU’s key funding instrument for the development and modernisation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). During the 2021–2027 funding period, the European Union supports investments in efficient, sustainable, smart and interconnected transport infrastructure across Europe.

Funding is particularly aimed at projects that remove bottlenecks and missing links, improve cross-border connections and increase the interoperability of European transport systems. Further priorities include sustainable and multimodal mobility, digitalisation and new technologies, transport safety and the resilience of transport infrastructure.

Through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), CEF Transport also supports the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, including high-performance electric charging infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling stations along the TEN-T network.

Military mobility is another component of CEF Transport, supporting the adaptation of transport infrastructure for dual civilian and military use.

Priorities of CEF2 Transport and TEN-T

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) forms the backbone of European transport infrastructure. Following the revised TEN-T Regulation, which entered into force in 2024, the network is structured into three layers:

• Core Network: to be completed by 2030
• Extended Core Network: to be completed by 2040
• Comprehensive Network: to be completed by 2050

Nine European Transport Corridors form the most strategic transport axes of the Core and Extended Core Networks. They are complemented by horizontal priorities including the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the European Maritime Space.

CEF Transport supports projects in areas including:

• development and modernisation of the TEN-T network
• removal of bottlenecks and missing links
• improvement of cross-border transport connections
• development and improvement of rail infrastructure
• inland waterways and ports
• better integration of different modes of transport and multimodal mobility
• smart and interoperable transport systems
• digitalisation and new technologies in the transport sector
• sustainable and low-emission mobility
• alternative fuels and charging infrastructure
• improved safety and resilience of transport infrastructure
• adaptation of transport infrastructure for civilian and military dual use

Budget for Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) Transport

Around €25.8 billion is available for CEF Transport for the 2021–2027 funding period. Of this amount, approximately €11.29 billion is earmarked for Member States eligible for support from the Cohesion Fund.

Funding is provided through different calls for proposals and funding instruments and primarily takes the form of EU grants co-financing eligible project costs.

Who can apply for CEF2 Transport funding?

CEF Transport is aimed in particular at public and private entities involved in developing and modernising European transport infrastructure. Depending on the respective call for proposals, potential applicants can include public authorities, infrastructure operators and other public or private organisations.

Eligibility requirements and EU co-funding rates depend on the individual CEF Transport call and type of project. Applicants should therefore consult the conditions specified in the respective call documentation.

Current and upcoming funding opportunities are published on the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal.

More information on Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) Transport

Official CINEA website on CEF Transport

European Commission information on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

Advice on CEF2 Transport and European funding

Are you planning a project in the field of transport infrastructure, sustainable mobility or TEN-T and would like to find out whether funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF2) Transport or another European funding programme could be suitable?

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) advises Bavarian universities, research institutions, companies and other stakeholders on European funding programmes for research and innovation and helps them identify suitable EU funding opportunities.

Contact BayFOR’s Information & Communication Technologies | Natural Sciences & Engineering unit – we will be happy to advise you.