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On 15 July, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the European Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) covering the period 2028–2034. With an overall envelope of €2 trillion, the long-term EU budget aims to address geopolitical challenges and support the EU’s strategic priorities, including transport and logistics.

According to the Commission’s proposal for the CEF Regulation, the sector-based structure will remain; however, while transport and energy will continue to be included under CEF, the digital sector, previously part of the CEF 2021-2027, is no longer included in the proposed Regulation. CEF-Transport, previously amounting to 25.81 billion euros, has been increased to 51.5 billion euros.

In the field of transport, the proposal defines the following objectives: First, the development of projects of common interest relating to the interconnected, interoperable, smart, safe, sustainable, resilient and multimodal transport networks under the TEN-T Regulation. CEF will in particular focus on infrastructure projects with a strong cross-border dimension, including with third countries.

Secondly, the adaption of parts of the TEN-T for the dual use of the transport infrastructure with a view to improving both civilian and military mobility, enabling seamless military mobility and facilitating the movement of troops and military equipment.

Presenting the proposal to the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee, Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stressed that the increased funding reflects the strategic importance of transport in ensuring the EU’s competitiveness, resilience, and security. He also outlined the proposed EU Competitiveness Fund (ECF), worth €409 billion, aims to support the decarbonisation of European industry through investments in sustainable fuels, related infrastructure, mobile assets, and the digitalisation of the transport sector.

CLECAT welcomes the proposed increase in CEF funding, having long advocated for stronger investment in transport infrastructure to support efficient and sustainable logistics across Europe. CLECAT also welcomes the proposed establishment of a European Competitiveness Fund worth 409 billion euros. The fund’s objectives of developing cross-border and critical infrastructure key to the EU’s competitiveness, including transport infrastructure and systems, and boosting clean and decarbonised transport complement those set out in CEF.

Following the publication of the MFF proposal, negotiations between Member States and the European Parliament are expected to begin in the coming months.

Source: European Commission