EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ADOPTS CEF 2.0
On 6 July, the European Parliament adopted the renewed Connecting Europe Facility (CEF 2.0) with a €33.71 billion budget (in current prices), forming part of the EU’s 2021-2027 budget. The CEF 2.0 programme will fund key projects with the goal of improving transport connections and energy networks, as well as digital services and connectivity in Europe. It should also support jobs, economic growth and the deployment of new technologies.
The Connecting Europe Facility aims to create synergies between the transport, energy and digital sectors. The budget foresees €25.81 billion for the transport sector, €5.84 billion for the energy sector, and €2.07 billion for the digital sector. It shall promote the interconnection, development and modernisation of rail, road, inland waterway and maritime infrastructure, as well as ensuring safe and secure mobility. The further development of the trans-European transport networks (TEN-T) will be a priority.
The new programme shall also ensure that when infrastructure is adapted to improve military mobility within the EU, it can be used for both civilian and military needs. In total €1.69 billion of the transport budget will go to military mobility. Funds will be used for cross-border renewable energy projects, decarbonisation supporting the EU Green Deal and the EU’s climate ambitions, and to ensure security of supply.
Once the Regulation enters into force, it will apply retroactively from 1 January 2021.
Source: European Parliament