The European Commission has revealed it will fund €7bn to support green transportation projects across the EU.
The record investment will be provided via EU grants from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and will help finance 134 sustainable transport initiatives.
Around 83% of the funding will be employed to support projects that help deliver the EU’s climate goals – enhancing and modernising the European railway network, inland waterways and maritime routes along the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner For Climate Action and responsible for transport, commented: “This is the largest call under the current CEF Transport programme.
“The selected projects will help transform Europe’s transport network, making cleaner transport modes more efficient and attractive for passengers and freight while enhancing safety across the TEN-T.
“I am especially pleased that several projects supporting the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes have been funded. These new corridors are of key importance to help integrate Ukraine and Moldova into the EU.”
Major rail projects to receive the bulk of funding
Rail projects will receive 80% of the €7bn fund under the revised TEN-T Regulation, effective from July 18.
This funding will enhance cross-border rail connections along the TEN-T core network, including Rail Baltica in the Baltic States, the Lyon-Turin link between France and Italy, and the Fehmarnbelt tunnel between Denmark and Germany.
Upgrades for maritime ports across Europe
Approximately 20 maritime ports in countries such as Ireland, Spain, Finland, and Poland will receive support for infrastructure upgrades.
These upgrades will enable ports to supply shore-side electricity to ships and transport renewable energy, contributing to greener maritime operations.
Enhancing inland waterways for better connectivity
Inland waterway infrastructure will also be improved to enhance cross-border connections. Key projects include the Seine-Scheldt basin between France and Belgium, and the Danube between Romania and Bulgaria.
Inland ports in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands will receive funding to promote green transportation via Europe’s network of rivers and canals.
Advancements in road transport safety and efficiency
For road transport, the focus will be on implementing cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems and Services (ITS) and developing new, safe, and secure parking areas, enhancing safety for both individuals and professionals.
Air traffic management modernisation
Air traffic management projects will aim to advance the Single European Sky initiative, making air transport more efficient, safer, and sustainable.
Strengthening EU-Ukraine transport links
Several projects will boost capacity along the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, facilitating imports and exports between Ukraine and the EU.
These projects include road transport infrastructure improvements at border crossings, increasing capacity on the Hungary-Ukraine rail border, extending a road in Poland to the Ukrainian border, and integrating the Ukrainian railway system into the EU.
