EU's final €170M transport funding call targets green and digital upgrades

The European Commission has launched the final funding call under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport for the 2021–2027 EU budget. This marks the last opportunity to secure funding before the next EU budget cycle begins in 2028. The call aims to support key transport infrastructure and technology projects across Europe. The funding package totals €170 million. It includes €130 million for alternative fuel infrastructure, with a focus on electric and hydrogen charging points for heavy-duty vehicles. These must be located along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) or in its urban nodes.

Eligible projects cover high-power charging stations, grid connections, battery storage, and energy management systems. Charging facilities at secure truck parking areas and private locations open to the public 24/7 also qualify. The EU will fund up to 20 percent of eligible costs, targeting total investments of around €650 million.

An additional €20 million is set aside for digitalisation and new technologies in road freight transport. This will support high-precision vehicle positioning systems and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication applications. Another €20 million will improve transport infrastructure at the EU’s external borders to enhance traffic flow at TEN-T border crossing points.

Applications for the funding call remain open until 6 October 2026. The final CEF Transport call under the current EU budget provides significant support for charging infrastructure, digitalisation, and border improvements. The initiative seeks to accelerate the deployment of advanced transport technologies and enhance connectivity across Europe. Projects selected under this call will contribute to the modernisation of the continent’s transport network.