Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2026

Purpose

• – Complete and modernise trans-European transport, energy, and digital networks.
  – Strengthen EU competitiveness, security, and resilience.
  – Accelerate the green and digital transitions.
  – Improve cross-border connectivity and interoperability.

Potential applicants

• – Public authorities and government agencies.
  – Infrastructure managers and operators.
  – Telecom operators and digital infrastructure providers.
  – Energy transmission and distribution operators.
  – Ports, airports, rail and transport authorities.
  – Companies, research organisations, universities, and public-private partnerships.
  – Multi-country consortia are encouraged for many topics.

Funding

• – Grants for studies, preparatory activities, deployment works, and infrastructure implementation.
  – Blending opportunities with InvestEU and other financial instruments are available for selected topics.
  – Funding levels depend on sector, action type, and cross-border dimension.

Intensity

• – Typically 30–50% for infrastructure works.
  – Up to 50% for cross-border transport projects.
  – Up to 75% for selected CEF Digital Smart Communities projects.
  – Higher rates may apply for cohesion countries, military mobility, or specific strategic priorities.

Technologies

• – 5G and Gigabit connectivity
  – Fibre and submarine cable infrastructure
  – Quantum communication networks (EuroQCI)
  – Alternative fuels infrastructure
  – EV charging and airport electrification
  – Smart mobility and autonomous vehicle infrastructure
  – Rail and inland waterway infrastructure
  – Energy transmission and cross-border energy networks

Eligibility

• – Applicants must be established in eligible countries.
  – Projects must contribute to CEF objectives and demonstrate European added value.
  – Many calls require cross-border relevance, interoperability, or contribution to TEN-T, TEN-E, or EU digital connectivity objectives.
  – Security and resilience requirements apply to certain digital and energy infrastructure projects.

Additional information

• – CEF 2021–2027 budget exceeds €33 billion across Transport, Energy, and Digital sectors.
  – CEF Transport 2026 foresees approximately €1.11 billion in call budget. – CEF Digital 2024–2027 supports 5G Large-Scale Pilots (€205M), EuroQCI (€90M), and Digital Global Gateways (€542M).

• – Strong emphasis on cross-border projects, resilience, digital sovereignty, decarbonisation, and strategic infrastructure.