Text · Opinion parliamentary committee
On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153
Full title
On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153
Document REGI-AD-782352 · COM(2025)0547 – C100167/2025 – 2025/0221(COD)
- Kind
- Opinion parliamentary committee REGI-AD-782352
- Date
- 16 April 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Regional Development
- Rapporteur
- Antonella Sberna
- Dossier
- 2025-0221
More facts (3)
- Formats
- Official page PDF Word
- Subject matter
- RTR, PESC
- Reference
- COM(2025)0547 – C100167/2025 – 2025/0221(COD)
In short
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The Committee on Regional Development gives its opinion on the proposed Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) regulation for 2028-2034, which funds trans-European transport and energy networks. It proposes amendments to add territorial cohesion, support for disadvantaged, rural, insular, outermost and peripheral regions, and attention to missing links and bottlenecks. It seeks stronger support for urban nodes, cross-border energy infrastructure, dual-use military mobility with civilian co-benefits, and involvement of local and regional authorities. It also proposes higher co-financing rates for outermost regions and for Member States with lower per capita GNI, and new definitions and eligibility rules.
Position. The Committee on Regional Development proposes amendments to the CEF regulation to strengthen territorial cohesion, support for disadvantaged and outermost regions, urban nodes, energy resilience, dual-use infrastructure with civilian co-benefits, and local and regional authority involvement.
Key points
- The opinion says CEF investments reduce regional disparities, improve accessibility and support long-term regional development, including in regions facing structural constraints.
- It asks that CEF work complement cohesion policy funds and National and Regional Partnership Plans without duplication or substitution.
- It wants continued support for projects addressing missing links, bottlenecks and connectivity gaps in disadvantaged, rural, border, insular, outermost and peripheral regions.
- It says projects on national sections that remove bottlenecks or ensure continuity of cross-border corridors should count, citing the Orte-Port of Civitavecchia road connection.
- It asks for CEF support to urban nodes, including ports, hinterland connections, multimodal hubs and first- and last-mile links.
- It calls for support to resilient, well-interconnected energy networks to prevent blackouts and eliminate energy isolation, including in peripheral regions.
- It asks that local and regional authorities be involved throughout the project cycle and that multi-level governance and administrative capacity be strengthened.
- It says dual-use transport infrastructure should bring substantial civilian co-benefits and avoid duplication, while enabling military movement.
- It asks for flexibility in implementation, including justified extensions, to avoid losing Union funding.
- It wants CEF to support connectivity with neighbouring and candidate countries, including Ukraine and the Western Balkans, with balanced benefits for Union border regions.
- It proposes new definitions, including for urban node, dual-use transport infrastructure, less developed regions, southern peripheral region, missing link and global project.
- It proposes raising the maximum co-financing rate to 85% for Member States with per capita GNI below 90% of the Union GNI and for works in outermost regions.
Who is affected
- Local and regional authorities: to be involved from the outset in planning, award and implementation of projects with territorial impact.
- Outermost regions: dedicated envelope, higher co-financing rate and attention to connections to the mainland.
- Island, rural, peripheral and sparsely populated regions: priority for connectivity and reduced energy isolation.
- Member States with per capita GNI below 90% of the Union GNI: higher maximum co-financing rate of 85%.
- Third countries, especially Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans: support for cross-border connectivity and gradual integration into the internal market.
Figures and deadlines
- A fixed 2% deflator is used to calculate current prices.
- At least 15% electricity interconnection target for 2030.
- Spain and Portugal have interconnection levels below 4%.
- The contribution to the Union renewable energy financing mechanism shall not exceed 5% of the budget for the energy-specific objectives.
- The Commission shall draw up general guidelines on good practices for cross-border projects by 1 June 2028.
- The first work programme shall be adopted by March 2028.
- Activities and expenses incurred before 1 January 2028 may be eligible for continuation of actions under Regulation (EU) 2021/1153.
- The maximum Union support for works is 50% of total eligible cost, or 85% for Member States with per capita GNI below 90% of the Union GNI.
Legal basis. Article 172, first paragraph, Article 194(2) and Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
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Short justification
The proposal for a Regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for the period 2028–2034 confirms the CEF as a key Union instrument supporting investments in trans-European transport and energy networks. In the current geopolitical and economic context, the CEF plays a central role in strengthening connectivity, resilience and competitiveness across the Union, while contributing to economic, social and territorial cohesion.
CEF-supported investments contribute to reducing regional disparities and improving accessibility by strengthening connections between regions and facilitating the functioning of the internal market. Infrastructure investments supported by the Programme enhance the reliability of essential services, promote territorial resilience and support long-term regional development, including in regions facing structural constraints.
The effectiveness of the CEF depends on its capacity to operate in a complementary manner with other Union instruments, in particular cohesion policy funds and the National and Regional Partnership Plans. Synergies between the CEF and other programmes should reinforce the impact of Union investments, while respecting their respective legal bases, objectives and management modes, and avoiding duplication or substitution effects.
While the proposal aims to simplify the programme architecture, attention should be paid to its territorial impact. In the absence of a dedicated cohesion envelope within the transport strand, the Programme should continue to support projects addressing missing links, bottlenecks and connectivity gaps, in particular in disadvantaged, rural, border, insular, outermost and peripheral regions, as well as regions facing demographic or accessibility challenges.
Cross-border connectivity remains a core element of the European added value of the CEF. In this context, investments contributing to the completion and effective functioning of the TEN-T network should not be assessed solely on the basis of formal cross-border sections. Projects located on national sections that remove bottlenecks or ensure functional continuity of cross-border corridors can be essential to achieving the objectives of the TEN-T and should be duly taken into account.
This approach is illustrated by projects that, while located on national territory, are essential to the effective functioning of the TEN-T network. A clear example is the road connection between Orte and the Port of Civitavecchia, which improves functional access to a TEN-T core port and removes a structural bottleneck between the port system and the inland network. Such projects enhance hinterland connectivity, contribute to corridor continuity and support territorial cohesion, fully in line with the objectives of the Programme.
Although urban mobility is not defined as a standalone objective of the Programme, urban nodes play a crucial role in the functioning of the trans-European transport network. The CEF can support actions in urban nodes where they contribute to the performance, interoperability and resilience of the TEN-T, including ports and their hinterland connections, multimodal hubs and connections ensuring functional access to the network, such as first- and last-mile links.
The territorial dimension of connectivity also extends to the energy sector. Recent electricity blackouts have highlighted the importance of resilient and well-interconnected energy networks. Strengthening cross-border energy infrastructure contributes to security of supply, system resilience and the elimination of energy isolation, including in structurally vulnerable and peripheral regions. The Programme should support projects that enhance the robustness and integration of energy networks in line with these objectives.
Local and regional authorities play a key role in the planning, permitting and implementation of infrastructure projects. Their involvement throughout the project cycle can improve project quality, territorial relevance and implementation efficiency. Strengthening multi-level governance and addressing administrative capacity constraints at local and regional level contributes to the effective delivery of CEF-supported actions.
The proposal places strong emphasis on military mobility through the support of dual-use transport infrastructure. Investments supported by the Programme in this field should be designed and implemented so as to ensure substantial co-benefits for civilian mobility, commercial logistics and territorial resilience, avoiding duplication and ensuring an efficient use of Union resources, while enabling the movement of military personnel, material and equipment in line with the Programme’s objectives.
Large infrastructure projects may face delays due to complex permitting procedures or external factors. Greater flexibility in implementation, including the possibility of justified extensions, can contribute to the effective use of Union funding while maintaining sound financial management and accountability.
Finally, the external and geopolitical dimension of the CEF has gained importance. Supporting connectivity with neighbouring and candidate countries, including Ukraine and the Western Balkans, contributes to the Union’s security and resilience. At the same time, actions strengthening external connectivity should ensure balanced benefits for Union border regions and contribute to internal cohesion and territorial development.
The Committee on Regional Development submits the following to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Transport and Tourism, as the committees responsible:
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 172, first paragraph, and Article 194(2) thereof, | Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 172, first paragraph, Article 194(2) and Article 349 thereof, |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) This Regulation establishes the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ Programme (the ‘Programme’) with a view to accelerating investment in the field of trans-European networks for transport and energy and leveraging funding from both the public and the private sectors, while increasing legal certainty and respecting the principle of technological neutrality. It also aims to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy, such as through the support of cross-border projects. The Programme should facilitate synergies between the transport and energy sectors to be harnessed to the full extent, thus enhancing the effectiveness of Union action and enabling implementing costs to be optimised. This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the Programme. For the purpose of this Regulation, current prices are calculated by applying a fixed 2% deflator. | (1) This Regulation establishes the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ Programme (the ‘Programme’) with a view to accelerating investment in the field of trans-European networks for transport and energy and leveraging funding from both the public and the private sectors, while increasing legal certainty and respecting the principle of technological neutrality. It also aims to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system, such as through the support of cross-border projects, including cross-border energy communities. The Programme should facilitate synergies between the transport and energy sectors to be harnessed to the full extent, thus enhancing the effectiveness of Union action and enabling implementing costs to be optimised, and should secure economic, social and territorial cohesion as an integral part of the Union’s strategic interests, as per Article 174 TFEU. This Regulation lays down a financial envelope for the Programme. For the purpose of this Regulation, current prices are calculated by applying a fixed 2% deflator. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) Particular attention should be given to projects in the outermost regions, including the possibility to increase the cofinancing rate, as set out inArticle 10, when duly justified. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) Efficient transportation of people3 and goods is an essential pillar for the functioning of the Union, playing a crucial role in fostering competitiveness and economic growth, ensuring cohesion, and achieving climate and environmental objectives. The ability of citizens and goods to move freely and efficiently in a well-connected and complete single market enhances connectivity, ensures access to jobs and services, and supports local economies and trade. At the same time, a decarbonized and sustainable transport system is a condition to meet the Union´s climate goals and address the Union’s economy’s strategic and unsustainable dependence on fossil fuel. Effective and secure freight transport is indispensable for the supply of necessary goods to citizens, keeping our economy running and backing our military security. The Draghi report on the future of competitiveness of Europe4 , recognises the importance of raising investments in transport infrastructure and emphasises the need for an integrated multimodal transport market as well as the strong demand for decarbonization and clean solutions. The Draghi report calls for boosting the digitalisation in the Union across key economic sectors, such as transport. The Letta report on the future of the internal market highlights the transport sector as a key area where deeper European integration is essential to fully unlock the potential of the internal market. The Letta report underlines notably the need to complete the TEN-T network and highlights the opportunities of a pan-European high-speed rail network to revolutionise European travel and catalyse Union integration. The Niinistö report on Europe’s civilian and military preparedness stresses the importance of dual-use transport corridors for military movements and supply chains and the resilience of the transport infrastructure to climate change and as well as the need for secure maritime supply routes used for the Union’s external trade. | (2) Efficient and secure transportation of people3 and goods, while respecting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is an essential pillar for the functioning of the Union, playing a crucial role in fostering competitiveness and economic growth, reducing regional disparities and ensuring economic, social and territorial cohesion, and achieving climate and environmental objectives, including in the outermost regions. The ability of citizens and goods to move freely and efficiently in a well-connected and complete single market enhances connectivity, ensures access to jobs and services, and supports local economies and trade. At the same time, a decarbonized and sustainable transport system is a condition to meet the Union´s climate goals and address the Union’s economy’s strategic and unsustainable dependence on fossil fuel, whilst ensuring that the transition can take place and strengthens EU competitiveness. Effective and secure freight transport is indispensable for the supply of necessary goods to citizens, keeping our economy running and backing our military security. In this regard, the development of TEN-T infrastructure should contribute to increasing the safety and resilience of infrastructure, including through measures that reduce risks to public health and to the continuous functioning of transport. The development of transport infrastructure should match civilian needs and ensure tangible benefits for cities and local economies across all regions of the EU. The Draghi report on the future of competitiveness of Europe4, recognises the importance of raising investments in transport infrastructure and emphasises the need for an integrated multimodal transport market as well as the strong demand for decarbonization and clean solutions. The Draghi report calls for boosting the digitalisation in the Union across key economic sectors, such as transport. The Letta report on the future of the internal market highlights the transport sector as a key area where deeper European integration, together with an effective cohesion policy are essential to fully unlock the potential of the internal market. It also advocates the ‘right to stay’, for which adequate transport and energy connectivity are necessary. The Letta report underlines notably the need to complete the TEN-T network and highlights the opportunities of a pan-European high-speed rail network to revolutionise European travel and catalyse Union integration. The Niinistö report on Europe’s civilian and military preparedness stresses the importance of dual-use transport corridors for military movements and supply chains and the resilience of the transport infrastructure to climate change and as well as the need for secure maritime supply routes used for the Union’s external trade. |
| 3 Including persons with reduced mobility and disabilities. | 3 Including persons with reduced mobility and disabilities. |
| 4 Mario Draghi, “A competitiveness strategy for Europe”, September 2024, https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en | 4 Mario Draghi, “A competitiveness strategy for Europe”, September 2024, https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) Urban nodes play an important role on the trans-European transport network as starting point or final destination (‘last mile’) for passengers and freight moving on the trans–European transport network and are points of transfer within or between different transport modes. They are essential to the completion and performance of the TEN-T corridors and to the delivering of the Union’s ambition in terms of long-distance transport journeys, as recently emphasised in the Communication by the European Commission entitled ‘Connecting Europe through High-Speed Rail’. Support to urban nodes projects should be secured to address capacity bottlenecks along the corridors and to ensure that an insufficient network connectivity within urban nodes no longer hamper multimodality along the trans-European transport network. The trans-European transport network policy should focus on promoting seamless traffic flows from, to and across urban nodes on the network. The local connectivity within urban nodes should be addressed by the competent local, regional or national authorities, in particular through relevant measures of their sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) the adoption of which is mandated Regulation (EU) 2024/1679. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) The Union should facilitate projects in disadvantaged, less connected, rural, insular, coastal, peripheral, congested, outermost or isolated regions so as to enable access to the Trans-European energy and transport networks while bringing benefits to the entire Union in terms of security, competitiveness and social, economic and territorial cohesion. Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 identifies the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network, specifies the requirements to be fulfilled by it and provides for measures for their implementation. That Regulation provides for the completion of the core network of the trans-European transport network by 2030 and the extended core network by 2040 through the creation of new infrastructure as well as the substantial upgrading and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. This will lead to a high-performing network for passengers and goods transportation. | (3) The Union should promote and facilitate projects in disadvantaged, less connected, rural, insular, coastal, peripheral, southern peripheral, congested, outermost, northernmost, eastern border regions, cross border regions, isolated regions, or island Member States so as to ensure that they can actively contribute and enable access to the Trans-European energy, and transport networks, and decrease energy isolation, while bringing benefits to the entire Union in terms of security, competitiveness and social, economic and territorial cohesion special attention should be given to the unfinished corridors, including the Atlantic corridor, and to reducing the risk of depopulation, thus contributing to the right to stay. The selection and prioritisation of actions financed through the programme should reduce territorial disparities and ensure territorial balance in investments. Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 identifies the infrastructure of the trans-European transport network, specifies the requirements to be fulfilled by it and provides for measures for their implementation. That Regulation provides for the completion of the core network of the trans-European transport network and the military corridors in the eastern Border regions, including the connection with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, by 2030 and the extended core network by 2040 through the creation of new infrastructure as well as the substantial upgrading and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. The maintenance and modernisation of existing transport networks, as well as their reactivation, where appropriate, by the Member States ares of key importance to ensure the long-term efficiency, safety and reliability of infrastructure. This will lead to a high-performing network for passengers and goods transportation. In particular, support should prioritise actions that connect such regions to the core and extended core networks through cross-border sections, last-mile links to ports, rail freight terminals, intermodal nodes, airports and affordable transport solutions in those regions, thereby reducing fragmentation and strengthening territorial cohesion and the Single Market. |
| 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024) | 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024) |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) The planning and implementation of projects supported under the Programme should involve the local and regional authorities concerned, where infrastructure is located on or passes through their territory, or when relevant. Partnership principle and involvement from the outset of local and regional authorities and local communities should be respected within the multi-level governance framework of Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) In order to achieve the objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, it is necessary to financially support the development cross-border, including ports and their hinterland connections as well as the deployment of alternative fuels, and the elimination of missing links and to ensure, where applicable, that the actions supported by the Programme are consistent with the corridor work plans drawn up in accordance with Article 54 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and with the overall network development regarding performance and interoperability. | (4) In order to achieve the objectives laid down in Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, it is necessary to financially support the cross-border development, or the main land, including ports, and their strategic role as a result of geopolitical developments and crisis situations, inland ports connectivity and their hinterland connections, maritime transport, optimisation of roads and railway crossings, especially in cross-border areas, development of logistic infrastructure, as well as the deployment of alternative fuels, the completion of the missing links and the development and upgrading of urban nodes, including their multimodal access infrastructure in order to strengthen the Union’s territorial cohesion, and to ensure, where applicable, that the actions supported by the Programme are consistent with the corridor work plans drawn up in accordance with Article 54 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and with the overall network development regarding performance, multimodality and interoperability. Projects of common interest with a cross-border dimension that are not included in the Annex are not excluded from support under this Programme, provided that they fulfil the relevant criteria. The geographical specificity of each Member State, in particular island Member States and landlocked Member States should be taken into account when considering the cross-border dimension of projects eligible for funding under this Programme. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4a) European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) and other recognised cross-border territorial cooperation structures, including Coordination Points, as stipulated in Regulation 2025/925 or (BridgeforEU), should be considered eligible legal entities for the purposes of this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5) The Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 20306 recognised military mobility as an essential component of Union security and defence and stressed the Union added-value in supporting dual-use infrastructure for mobility. The Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 included for the first time a dedicated financial envelope for the development of civilian-defence dual use transport infrastructure. It is essential that the Union’s transport infrastructure enables rapid and efficient movement of military personnel, material and equipment by air, land and waterborne. Accordingly, the infrastructure for all transport modes should to be upgraded to meet the military requirements. The Programme should seek complementarity with the specific activities supported under the European Competitiveness Fund (also with regard to Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)), notably aiming at strengthening Member State’s access to and availability of military mobility capabilities, and to support the development of digital solutions to facilitate the military mobility as well as measures supported under the National and Regional Partnership Plans. | (5) The Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 20306 recognised military mobility as an essential component of Union security and defence and stressed the Union added-value in supporting dual-use infrastructure for mobility. The Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council7 included for the first time a dedicated financial envelope for the development of civilian-defence dual use transport infrastructure. Investments supported by the Programme in dual-use transport infrastructure should be designed and implemented so as to ensure substantial co-benefits for civilian mobility, commercial logistics and territorial resilience, avoiding duplication and ensuring efficient use of Union resources. It is essential that the Union’s transport infrastructure enables rapid and efficient movement of military personnel, material and equipment by air, land and waterborne, including in outermost regions. Accordingly, the infrastructure for all transport modes should to be upgraded to meet the civilian and military requirements, including the need to eliminate structural barriers that limit railway interoperability, in particular differences in track gauge on certain strategic cross-border sections. The implementation of projects in the eastern border regions should be accelerated. The Programme should seek complementarity with the specific activities supported under the European Competitiveness Fund (also with regard to Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI)), notably aiming at strengthening Member State’s access to and availability of military mobility capabilities, and to support the development of digital solutions to facilitate the military mobility as well as measures supported under the National and Regional Partnership Plans. |
| 6 Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, JOIN(2025) 120 final, 19 March 2025. | 6 Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, JOIN(2025) 120 final, 19 March 2025. |
| 7 Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014 (OJ L 249, 14.7.2021, p. 38, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1153/oj). | 7 Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014 (OJ L 249, 14.7.2021, p. 38, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1153/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) In the field of military mobility, the Programme aims to contribute to enabling transportation of military equipment and personnel across the EU at speed and scale, taking into account the military expertise at EU level. The Programme should be consistent with EU efforts to increase EU defence readiness as outlined in the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. | (6) In the field of military mobility, the Programme aims to contribute to enabling transportation of military equipment and personnel across the EU at speed and scale, including in the outermost regions, taking into account the military expertise at EU level and the urgency of increasing the security in the eastern border regions, the Programme should be consistent with EU efforts to increase EU defence readiness as outlined in the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. The program should remain open to the development of logistic infrastructure and new military corridors that might have strategic importance at both the civilian and military levels across the entire territory of the Union, including the southern peripheral regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6a) In order to ensure Union added value and avoid fragmentation, actions supporting military and civil mobility should be selected on the basis of well-defined criteria, including: (i) relevance for the EU Priority Military Mobility Corridors; (ii) contribution to removing cross-border bottlenecks and missing links with dual-use value; (iii) interoperability and readiness and resilience requirements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6b) In view of the ever-increasing risks generated by armed conflicts and major supply chain disruptions, the Union needs to be prepared for any scenario. Given those circumstances, the Programme should allow for the development of dual-use logistics infrastructure, which in peacetime serves essential public services and in crisis situations and times of conflict assures the supply of both the population and military personnel. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6c) In the context of recent geopolitical developments and the need to ensure rapid and efficient civil and military mobility across the entire territory of the Union, dual-use transport infrastructure should, where appropriate, include multimodal capacities located at TEN-T nodes and in regions situated at the Union’s external borders. Strengthening airport, port, rail and road infrastructure in those areas contributes to increasing the resilience, redundancy and interoperability of the network, while also generating benefits for civilian mobility and regional development. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (7) The Union has developed its own space systems for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) (Galileo, EGNOS and LEO PNT), Earth observation and monitoring programme (Copernicus, EOGS) and secure connectivity (GOVSATCOM and IRIS2). They all offer advanced services which provide important economic benefits to public and private users. Therefore, any transport or energy infrastructure funded by the CEF, that makes use of PNT or Earth observations services, should be technically compatible with those systems. To ensure such compatibility, where relevant, the work programme can ensure that actions supported by the CEF that include PNT, connectivity or observation technology are technically compatible with the EU space systems. | (7) The Union has developed its own space systems for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) (Galileo, EGNOS and LEO PNT), Earth observation and monitoring programme (Copernicus, EOGS) and secure connectivity (GOVSATCOM and IRIS2). They all offer advanced services which provide important economic benefits to public and private users, the infrastructure of which should also be protected and accessible. Therefore, any transport or energy infrastructure funded by the CEF, that makes use of PNT or Earth observations services, should be technically compatible with those systems. To ensure such compatibility, where relevant, the work programme can ensure that actions supported by the CEF that include PNT, connectivity or observation technology are technically compatible with the EU space systems. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8a) The Programme integrates digitalisation across transport and energy actions, notably through interoperable traffic management systems, secure data exchange and digital technologies that enhance capacity, safety and efficiency, accompanied by robust cybersecurity and resilience safeguards; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9) The expansion and upgrade of energy infrastructure is an essential condition for a genuine Energy Union that is complete and interconnected, ensuring the Union’s energy security and independence, energy affordability, industrial competitiveness, while meeting the Union’s climate and energy objectives towards 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Energy grids are necessary for the uptake of additional generation of renewable energy, including offshore generation, for boosting industrial decarbonisation and electrification, and for ensuring a well-functioning and competitive internal energy market that delivers a secure and affordable supply of energy. The Draghi Report recognises also the importance of raising investments in energy infrastructure. The Draghi report pointed in particular to investment in energy grids and the need to rapidly increase the deployment of cross-border energy infrastructure to ensure the integration of renewable energy into the European system and decarbonise Europe’s industry. In the Clean Industrial Deal8 and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy9 , the Commission underlined the crucial role of completing the Energy Union by investing in energy infrastructure and cross-border grids for safeguarding the competitiveness of European industry and the prosperity of people as well as for the affordability and security of energy supply. The Action Plan for Affordable Energy indicates that every person, community, and business should benefit from the clean transition. According to the Monitoring Report on electricity infrastructure10 of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, cross-border capacity needs will amount to 66 GW by 2030, of which 32 GW currently remain unaddressed. The support of the Programme to cross-border projects will play an important part in addressing this gap. | (9) The expansion and upgrade of energy infrastructure is an essential condition for a genuine Energy Union that is complete, robust, safe and interconnected, ensuring the Union’s energy security and independence, energy affordability, industrial competitiveness and mitigating large energy price differences between Member States, while promoting sustainability and meeting the Union’s climate and energy objectives towards 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, avoiding biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Regional development potential and needs should be considered and respect of the principle of technological neutrality should be ensured. Energy grids are necessary for the uptake of additional generation of renewable energy, including offshore generation, for boosting industrial decarbonisation and electrification, and for ensuring a well-functioning and competitive internal energy market that delivers a secure and affordable supply of energy for citizens and enterprises. The Draghi Report recognises also the importance of raising investments in energy infrastructure such as addressing limited interconnection of electricity grids . The Draghi report pointed to investment in energy grids and the need to rapidly increase the deployment of cross-border energy infrastructure to ensure the integration of renewable energy into the European system and decarbonise Europe’s industry. In the Clean Industrial Deal and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy , the Commission underlined the crucial role of completing the Energy Union by investing in energy infrastructure and cross-border grids for safeguarding the competitiveness of European industry and the prosperity of people as well as for the affordability and security of energy supply. The Action Plan for Affordable Energy indicates that every person, community, and business should benefit from the clean transition. According to the Monitoring Report on electricity infrastructure of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, cross-border capacity needs will amount to 66 GW by 2030, of which 32 GW currently remain unaddressed. The support of the Programme to cross-border projects will play an important part in addressing this gap. |
| 8 COM/2025/85 final | 8 COM/2025/85 final |
| 9 COM/2025/79 final | 9 COM/2025/79 final |
| 10 ACER: Electricity infrastructure development to support a competitive and sustainable energy system, 2024 Monitoring Report, https://www.acer.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Publications/ACER_2024_Monitoring_Electricity_Infrastructure.pdf. | 10 ACER: Electricity infrastructure development to support a competitive and sustainable energy system, 2024 Monitoring Report, https://www.acer.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Publications/ACER_2024_Monitoring_Electricity_Infrastructure.pdf. |
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| (10) Special consideration should be given to cross-border energy interconnections, including complex projects such as hybrid interconnectors, including those necessary to reach the 15 % electricity interconnection target for 2030 established by Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council11 . | (10) Special consideration should be given to cross-border energy interconnections, including complex projects such as hybrid interconnectors, including those necessary to reach at least the 15 % electricity interconnection target for 2030 established by Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council11, where interconnection with Spain and Portugal is particularly relevant, as they have levels below 4 %. In that context, it is necessary to be able to connect the entire Union, especially isolated and non-fully integrated areas such as the Iberian Peninsula, within the common energy network in order to allow access to the common energy market and strengthen the Energy Union. |
| 11 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1999/oj). | 11 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1999/oj). |
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| (10a) In light of recent events, it is advisable that the Connecting Europe Facility also serve as a means of support to prevent and mitigate disruptions to the electricity supply that could have a substantial economic impact or cause the general paralysis of certain regions or Member States, and whose effects have also an impact on the resilience and stability of energy interconnections between Member States. |
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| (11) Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council12lays down guidelines for the timely development and interoperability of trans-European energy infrastructure. It provides for the identification of projects of common interest and of projects of mutual interest and determines the conditions for eligibility of these projects for Union financial assistance. However, given their cross-border nature, projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest not only create significant positive externalities and foster solidarity, but also entail specific challenges for project promoters, due to their multi-jurisdictional nature, coordination challenges and an often asymmetrical distribution of costs and benefits. They therefore require Union level support. | (11) Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 lays down guidelines for the timely development and interoperability of trans-European energy infrastructure. It provides for the identification of projects of common interest and of projects of mutual interest and determines the conditions for eligibility of these projects for Union financial assistance. However, given their cross-border nature, in which the possibility of connections to the mainland for the ORs should also be considered, projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest not only create significant positive externalities and foster solidarity, but also entail specific challenges for project promoters, due to their multi-jurisdictional nature, coordination challenges and an often asymmetrical distribution of costs and benefits. They therefore require Union level support. |
| 12 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 ( OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj). | 12 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2009, (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 and Directives 2009/73/EC and (EU) 2019/944, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 ( OJ L 152, 3.6.2022, p. 45, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj). |
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| (11a) The full potential of synergies between the Programme and the National and Regional Partnership Plans established in accordance with Regulation (EU) XXX of the European Parliament and the Council [National and Regional Partnership Plan Regulation] should be maximised through dedicated spending for distribution grids, smaller grids and citizens-led projects at national level, as well as through direct support to regional and local authorities working on those projects. |
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| (12) In the field of energy, the Programme aims to contribute to the development of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest, with a view to promoting energy market integration and interoperability of energy networks across borders. Furthermore, the Programme aims to facilitate decarbonisation, promoting energy efficiency and ensuring security of supply, and facilitating cross-border cooperation in the field of energy including renewable energy generation, as well as storage facilities that are not fulfilling the eligibility criteria of Regulation (EU) 2022/869. In doing so the interests of all stakeholders liable to be affected should be taken into account. | (12) In the field of energy, the Programme aims to contribute to the development of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest, with a view to strengthening secure, modern, interconnected and interoperable energy infrastructure across border and regions, as a prerequisite for the efficient functioning of the internal energy market. Furthermore, the Programme aims to facilitate decarbonisation, decrease energy isolation and eliminate interconnection bottlenecks, promoting energy efficiency and ensuring security of supply, respecting the principle of technological neutrality and facilitating cross-border cooperation in the field of energy including renewable energy generation and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system, with a view to ensuring resilience of energy systems and security of supply, as well as storage facilities that are not fulfilling the eligibility criteria of Regulation (EU) 2022/869. In doing so, geographical specificities, including as regards island Member States, and the interests of all stakeholders liable to be affected should be taken into account. |
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| (13) Cross-border cooperation between Member States, or between Member States and third countries, in the field of renewable energy is key to achieve the Union’s objectives in terms of decarbonisation, competitiveness, completion of the internal energy market and security of supply in a cost-efficient and sustainable manner. The Programme aims to address a risk that cross-border cooperation will remain at a sub-optimal level in the absence of Union financial assistance. | (13) Cross-border cooperation between Member States, or between Member States and third countries, in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system is key to achieve the Union’s objectives in terms of decarbonisation, energy efficiency, competitiveness, completion of the internal energy market and security of supply in a cost-efficient and sustainable manner to the extent that it is supported by adequate infrastructure and economically viable conditions. The Programme aims to address a risk that cross-border cooperation will remain at a sub-optimal level in the absence of Union financial assistance. |
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| (14) Cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy should provide cost savings for the deployment of renewable energy across the Union or other benefits for system integration, security of supply, competitiveness or innovation, in comparison to a similar project implemented by one of the participating Member States or third country alone. When selecting the projects, the Commission should particularly consider their contribution to the further integration of the Union internal energy market and endeavour to take, where possible, into consideration geographical balance. In case of grants for works, the applicant should demonstrate the need to overcome market failures or financial obstacles such as insufficient commercial viability, high upfront costs or the lack of market finance. | (14) Cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system should demonstrate concrete and measurable benefits for the functioning of the energy system, such as cost savings for their deployment across the Union or other benefits for a better integration of the internal energy market, increased security of supply, industrial competitiveness or innovation, flexibility, efficiency and resilience of networks, as well as for more affordable prices in comparison to a similar project implemented by one of the participating Member States or third country alone. Especially in the context of the new geopolitical reality, characterised by volatility, uncertainty and increased risks to energy security, cross-border cooperation between Member States and regions should contribute to strengthening the Union’s strategic autonomy in the field of energy by reducing external dependencies. When selecting the projects, the Commission should particularly consider their contribution to the further integration of the Union internal energy market and should therefore prioritise the contributions to the energy security of the regions and of the Union. It should also endeavour to take into consideration geographical balance between corridors, regions and Member States. Particular attention should be paid to the outermost regions, as well as to regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as rural regions with very low population density, islands, cross-border, mountain and southern peripheral regions. Applicants for funding should prove compliance with the existing environmental legislation, and where relevant, on the basis of on an assessment, put forward alternatives, including nature-based solutions, that could have a positive impact on climate change mitigation and resilience on biodiversity and human well-being. In case of grants for works, the applicant should demonstrate the need to overcome market failures or financial obstacles such as insufficient commercial viability, high upfront costs or the lack of market finance. |
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| (16) Synergies between the development of trans-European networks in transport and energy and cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy with strong cross border impact supported by CEF, and transport and energy projects in the scope of the National and Regional Partnership Plans, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and the European Competitiveness Fund should be ensured. Synergies could also imply support for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) focussing on cross-border infrastructure in the transport and energy sector. | (16) Synergies between the development of trans-European networks in transport and energy and cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system with strong cross border impact supported by CEF, and transport and energy projects in the scope of the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and the European Competitiveness Fund should be ensured and promoted in order to provide for coherence and the efficient use of Union resources and to maximise the European added value. Synergies could also imply support for Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) focussing on cross-border infrastructure in the transport and energy sector, including with a view to ensuring adequate charging infrastructure on important cross-border routes. Funding under cohesion policy should not be used to structurally substitute support provided by the Programme for infrastructure of european interest, but rather to reinforce its impact through exploiting the full potential of synergies, contributing to territorial cohesion and the development of regions located along the main european connectivity axes. Actions supported by the Programme should be aligned with the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. |
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| (17) The Programme should also seek coherence with actions financed under Global Europe. It is important that the trans-European networks for transport and for energy are well connected to third countries. The respective policy frameworks identify projects of common interest between Member States and third countries, or projects of mutual interest, which are the priority for the transport and energy connections from and to these third countries. For these projects, the support provided under the Programme should be closely coordinated with support provided under the Global Europe. In the field of transport, the cross-border sections listed in the Annex to this Regulation should be prioritised. | (17) The Programme should also seek coherence with actions financed under Global Europe. That coordination is particularly necessary in the context of security challenges and persistent energy vulnerabilities, particularly in the Union’s eastern neighbourhood. It is important that the trans-European networks for transport and for energy are well connected to third countries, especially Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. Strengthening trans-European connections with those countries contributes to their gradual integration into the Union’s internal market and to increasing regional economic security, stability and resilience. The respective policy frameworks identify projects of common interest between Member States and third countries or projects of mutual interest, which are the priority for the transport and energy connections from and to these third countries. For these projects, the support provided under the Programme should be closely coordinated with support provided under the Global Europe. In the field of transport, the cross-border sections listed in the Annex to this Regulation should be prioritised, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of the Union. |
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| (18) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, recent experience has shown the need for a more flexible multiannual financial framework and Union programmes. To that effect, and in line with the objectives of the CEF, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs and Union’s priorities as identified in relevant documents published by the Commission, in Council conclusions and European Parliament resolutions while ensuring sufficient predictability for the budget implementation. | (18) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, recent experience has shown the need for a more flexible multiannual financial framework and Union programmes. To that effect, and in line with the objectives of the CEF, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs and Union’s priorities as identified in relevant documents published by the Commission, in Council conclusions and European Parliament resolutions while ensuring sufficient predictability for the budget implementation, and the timely and proper completion of the core TEN-T network. |
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| (21) The Programme should optimise the use of available funding through close monitoring of the funding made available and through applying, where appropriate, reduction or termination of grants. This should allow the reallocation of the budget dedicated to an action that remains unspent during its designated timeframe to other actions falling within the scope of this Programme. | (21) The Programme should optimise the use of available funding through close monitoring of the funding made available and through applying, where appropriate, reduction or termination of grants. This should allow the reallocation of the budget dedicated to an action that remains unspent during its designated timeframe to other actions falling within the scope of this Programme. The Programme should guarantee the regular publication of calls for proposals under the CEF, ensuring a balanced distribution of funds over the period 2028-2034, in order to maintain a stable and predictable level of funding. The geographical balance between corridors, regions and Member States should be ensured, while prioritising mature cross-border actions that contribute directly to completing the core and extended core network. Funding under cohesion policy should not be used to structurally substitute support provided by the Programme for infrastructure of european interest, but rather to reinforce its impact through targeted synergies, in full respect of their respective legal basis and management modes. |
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| (23) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the Programme. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants, prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect management, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees. | (23) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the Programme. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants, prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect management, shared management, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees. |
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| (24) In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 Regulation, the work programmes and the call documents are the appropriate place to set out more technical implementation details for the budget across the set of policies supported by the Programme, including specific eligibility and award criteria depending on the instrument of budget implementation, whether grant or procurement, and the specific policy objectives pursued. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. | (24) In accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 Regulation, the work programmes and the call documents are the appropriate place to set out more technical implementation details for the budget across the set of policies supported by the Programme, including specific eligibility and award criteria depending on the instrument of budget implementation, whether grant or procurement, and the specific policy objectives pursued. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions should apply to high-risk suppliers, for security reasons. When drawing up the work programmes, the Commission should take into account the need to strengthen territorial cohesion, the resilience of critical infrastructure and the development of TEN-T metropolitan nodes and regions located on the external borders of the Union, including by supporting complementary multimodal infrastructure of strategic relevance. |
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| (31) The Programme should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To this extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the constituent activities of the Programme. Association should be subject to a fair balance of contribution and benefits of the third country and ensure the protection of the financial and security interests of the Union. | (31) The Programme should be open for cooperation with third countries where this is in the interest of the Union. To this extent, the Union may associate, fully or partially, third countries to the constituent activities of the Programme. Association should be subject to a fair balance of contribution and benefits of the third country and ensure the protection of the financial and security interests of the Union. In particular, cooperation with candidate and potential candidate countries, as well as with countries in the Eastern Neighbourhood, should contribute to strengthening cross-border connectivity, their progressive integration into trans-European networks and the development of regions located at the Union’s external borders, hence enhancing the Union’s territorial cohesion, resilience and economic security. |
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| 6a. ‘Urban node’ means an urban area as defined in article 3, point (6) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679; |
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| 7a. ‘dual-use transport infrastructure’ means a transport infrastructure that addresses both civilian and military mobility standards and specifications; |
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| 8. ‘studies’ means activities needed to prepare project implementation, such as preparatory, mapping, feasibility, evaluation, testing and validation studies, including in the form of software, and any other technical support measure, including prior action to define and develop a project and decide on its financing, such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package; | 8. ‘studies’ means activities needed to prepare project implementation, such as preparatory, mapping, feasibility, evaluation, design, testing and validation studies, including in the form of software, and any other technical support measure, including prior action to define and develop a project and decide on its financing, such as reconnaissance of the sites concerned and preparation of the financial package; |
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| 9. ‘works’ means the purchase, supply and deployment of components, systems and services including software, the carrying out of development and construction and installation activities relating to a project, the acceptance of installations and the launching of a project; | 9. ‘works’ means the purchase, supply and deployment of components, systems and services including software, the carrying out of development, upgrading, construction, modernisation and installation activities relating to a project, the acceptance of installations and the launching of a project including all preparatory works; |
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| 11. ‘cross-border project in the field of renewable energy’ means any of the following: | 11. ‘cross-border project in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system means any of the following: |
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| (ba) a cross-border project in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system justified by the need to ensure energy security or the stability of the energy system and which do not fall within the scope of points (a) or (b); |
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| 11a. ‘less developed regions’ means regions whose GDP per capita is less than 75% of the average GDP per capita of the EU-27 ; |
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| 11b. ‘southern peripheral region’ means any area of a Member State situated along the Mediterranean basin that, while integral to the internal market, faces a permanent structural disadvantage in the development of continuous connectivity with cross-border terrestrial networks; |
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| 11c. ‘ Northern Sparsely Populated Area ’ means areas defined as in Article 2 of Protocol No 6 to the 1994 Act of Accession; |
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| 11d. ‘Global project’ means a large-scale project that is divided into several actions including cross-border and/or construction lots, whichmay benefit from multiple grant agreements under one or more multiannual periods. It may also include, where appropriate, complementary multimodal infrastructure located within the functional area of a TEN-T node or along a strategic corridor, including dual-use infrastructure; |
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| 11e. ‘ Nature-based solutions ’ means actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services, resilience and biodiversity benefits; |
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| 11f. ‘Missing link’ means an all modes of transport missing section of the TEN-T or a transport section providing the connection of core or comprehensive networks with the TEN-T corridors, which hampers the continuity of the TEN-T or contains one or more bottlenecks affecting the continuity of the TEN-T; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1. The general objectives of the Programme are to build, develop, secure, modernise and complete the trans-European networks in the transport and energy sectors, with the intention of supporting a functioning single market and fostering cohesion; to facilitate military mobility on the trans-European transport networks; to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy; and to facilitate synergies among the transport and energy sectors. | 1. The general objectives of the Programme are to build, develop, secure, protect, modernise, and complete the trans-European networks in the transport and energy sectors, with the intention of supporting an efficient, sustainable and functioning single market, reducing regional disparities and fostering economic, social and territorial cohesion, as well as contributing to the right to stay, to facilitate military mobility on the trans-European transport networks; to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system, as well as energy efficiency, to ensure physical and cyber protection and resilience of existing and planned critical transport and energy infrastructure and to facilitate synergies among the transport and energy sectors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (i) to contribute to the development of projects of common interest relating to interconnected, interoperable, decarbonised, smart, safe, sustainable, resilient, secure and multimodal transport networks in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, in particular through: | (i) to contribute to the development of projects of common interest relating to efficient, interconnected, interoperable, decarbonised, smart, safe, sustainable, resilient, secure and multimodal transport networks and infrastructure, including rail-road terminals and rail freight, inland waterways of strategic importance and the associated inland port infrastructure, motorways of the sea , connections to airports and core maritime ports in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, as well as the connection of rural areas and peripheral regions, where appropriate, to TEN-T Core networks, to create safe, secure and inclusive mobility, including as regards persons with disabilities, in particular through: |
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| (1) actions relating to the projects of common interest with cross-border dimension implementing the trans-European transport network, including actions on the indicative sections listed in the Annex to this Regulation; | (1) actions relating to the projects of common interest with cross-border dimension implementing the trans-European transport network, addressing missing links and reactivating abandoned transport infrastructure, removing bottlenecks on the core and extended TEN-T network corridors, including actions on the indicative sections listed in the Annex to this Regulation, with close attention to the completion of outstanding sections whose implementation has previously been subject to delays; |
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| (2) actions relating to the projects of common interest with Union dimension relating to the completion of a smart, resilient, decarbonised and sustainable trans-European transport network; | (2) actions relating to the projects of common interest with Union dimension, relating to the completion and performance of a smart, interoperable, multimodal resilient, efficient, decarbonised and sustainable trans-European transport network, covering all modes of transport, and including small-scale projects, as well as actions aimed at improving the resilience of existing and planned transport infrastructure, in particular to protect them against the negative impacts of climate change and the risks deriving from natural disasters in order to ensure the continuity, safety, and reliability of the network; |
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| (2a) actions relating to projects of common interest of European or cross-border dimension, including through secondary cross-border connections aimed at completing the trans-European transport network ensuring accessibility and connectivity of all regions of the Union, including remote, island, rural, peripheral, mountainous and sparsely populated regions, and to the single market with a particular focus on outermost regions, given their geostrategic relevance and strong need to mitigate the structural challenges referred to in Article 349 of the TFEU; |
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| (3) actions relating to the projects of common interest with cross-border dimension with third countries implementing the trans-European transport network in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679; | (3) actions relating to the projects of common interest with cross-border dimension with third countries implementing the trans-European transport network in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, covering all modes of transport and supporting the construction of the respective infrastructure; |
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| (3a) actions relating to the development and upgrading of urban nodes, including access, connections and functional links to core and comprehensive networks and their multimodal access infrastructure; |
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| (3b) actions including studies related to projects eligible under CEF, works and other accompanying measures necessary for the management and implementation of the CEF and the sector-specific guidelines; |
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| (3c) actions relating to the projects of common interest to implement a European High Speed Rail Network, as well as to support the connectivity of strategic intermodal infrastructure facilities, such as ports, hubs and multimodal terminals, with core network sections, urban nodes and metropolitan areas, through high-quality infrastructure, in order to ensure the efficient overall functioning, integration and connectivity of the TEN-T and its secondary networks; |
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| (3d) actions relating to the trans-European transport network that foster a financial multiplier effect, reinforcing complementarity and avoiding fragmentation, through synergies with other strategic Union funding programmes (such as NRP Fund and ECF) and Union financial instruments, including InvestEU; |
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| (3e) actions to support investment in the protection of critical transport infrastructure, with a view to strengthening its resilience and enhancing its ability to prevent, withstand and recover from disruptions and threats, including those of a hybrid nature; |
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| (3f) actions in island Member States taking into account their unique situations and constraints; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (ii) to adapt parts of the trans-European transport network for the dual use of the transport infrastructure with a view to improving both civilian and military mobility, focusing on the four EU Priority Military Mobility Corridors identified by Member States in Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility within and beyond the Union, as approved by the Council on 18 March 2025 and with reference ST 6728/25 ADD1; | (ii) to adapt and develop parts of the trans-European transport network for the dual use of the transport infrastructure with a view to improving both civilian and military mobility, in accordance with Article 48 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 focusing on the four EU Priority Military Mobility Corridors identified in Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility within and beyond the Union, as approved by the Council on 18 March 2025 and in any subsequent revision approved thereafter, focusing especially on sections where infrastructure gaps and strategic vulnerabilities affect the continuity resilience and safety of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), especially the most vulnerable cross-border sections between Member States with only one cross-border connection to another EU Member State, including through: |
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| (iia) actions related to military mobility such as investments to improve the equipment of dual-use terminals and logistics hubs, the development of loading platforms, and the adaptation of TEN-T infrastructure, including tunnels, bridges, viaducts and junctions, as well as investments linked to military mobility hotspots; |
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| (iib) actions related to strengthening airport, port, rail and road infrastructure located in TEN-T nodes, on strategic corridors and in regions situated at the external borders of the Union, with the aim of increasing resilience, redundancy and strategic logistical capacity; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iic) actions related to developing new dual-use strategic corridors that complement the Trans-European Transport Network, where appropriate, and to modernising and improving underused and abandoned infrastructure, while focusing on civilian component. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (i) to contribute to the development of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest as set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, with a view to promoting the completion of the Energy Union, the integration of an efficient and competitive internal energy market, and the interoperability of networks across borders and sectors, to facilitating decarbonisation of the economy, to promoting energy efficiency and to ensuring resilience and security of supply; | (i) to contribute to the development of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest as set out in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and small-scale projects, with a view to promoting the completion of the Energy Union, including through alternative fuels infrastructure, the integration of an efficient and competitive internal energy market, and the interoperability of networks across borders and sectors, considering as well the energy specificities of the outermost regions, to facilitating decarbonisation of the economy, including at local and regional level, to promoting energy efficiency and to ensuring resilience, physical protection and security of supply, including against hybrid threats and deliberate disruptions, while avoiding structural imbalances between regions and supporting a secure, affordable and competitive energy framework throughout the Union. The programme shall ensure a geographically balanced deployment of the energy backbone infrastructure, with a view to strengthening security of supply, enhancing energy affordability and improving industrial competitiveness across all regions of the Union, while preventing deindustrialisation in peripheral areas; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ii) to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy, through the support of cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy or through competitive bidding for new renewable energy projects under the Union renewable energy financing mechanism established by Article 33 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, where the conditions referred to in of Article 11(5) of this Regulation are met, with a view to achieving the Union’s objectives in terms of decarbonisation, competitiveness, completion of the internal energy market, resilience and security of supply in a cost-efficient manner. | (ii) to facilitate cross-border cooperation through the support of cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system, including through the promotion of local and regional energy communities across Europe, including cross-border energy communities, to strengthen the TEN-E network, or through competitive bidding for new renewable energy and storage projects under the Union renewable energy financing mechanism established by Article 33 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, where the conditions referred to in of Article 11(5) of this Regulation are met, with a view to achieving the Union’s objectives in terms of decarbonisation, energy efficiency, competitiveness, completion of the internal energy market, resilience and security of supply in a cost-efficient manner; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iia) to contribute to the development of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest, as provided for in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, with a view to promoting the completion of the Energy Union and ensuring the full integration of all Member States into an efficient and competitive internal energy market and the interoperability of networks across borders and between sectors, facilitating the decarbonisation of the economy and the removal of interconnection bottlenecks, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring resilience and security of supply; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iib) to enhance synergies and complementarity with National and Regional Partnership Plans and other EU programmes; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) from which a dedicated sufficient envelope shall be established for the outermost regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties may make additional financial or non-financial contributions to the Programme, without prejudice to Articles 107 and 108 TFEU. Additional financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e), or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. | 1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, local and regional authorities, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties may make additional financial or non-financial contributions to the Programme, without prejudice to Articles 107 and 108 TFEU. Additional financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e), or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The Programme shall be implemented in coordination with other Union programmes. An action that has received a Union contribution from another programme may also receive a contribution under the Programme. The rules of the relevant Union programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution or a single set of rules may be applied to all contributions under the Programme and a single legal commitment may be concluded. If the Union contributions is based on eligible cost, the cumulative support from the Union budget shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and may be calculated on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support. | 1. The Programme shall be implemented in coordination with other Union programmes. An action that has received a Union contribution from another programme may also receive a contribution under the Programme. The rules of the relevant Union programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution. Where possible, a single set of rules shall be applied to all contributions under the Programme and a single legal commitment shall be concluded. If the Union contributions is based on eligible cost, the cumulative support from the Union budget shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and may be calculated on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. Award procedures under the Programme may be conducted jointly under direct or indirect management with Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties (‘partners to the joint award procedure’), provided the protection of the financial interests of the Union is ensured. Such procedures shall be subject to a single set of rules and lead to the conclusion of single legal commitments. For that purpose, the partners to the joint award procedure may make resources available to the Programme in accordance with Article 5 of this Regulation, or the partners may be entrusted with the implementation of the award procedure, where applicable in accordance with Article 62(1), point (c), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.In joint award procedures, representatives of the partners to the joint award procedure may also be members of the evaluation committee referred to in Article 153(3) of Regulation (EU, EURATOM) 2024/2509. | 2. Award procedures under the Programme may be conducted jointly under direct or indirect management with Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, local and regional authorities, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties (‘partners to the joint award procedure’), provided the protection of the financial interests of the Union is ensured. Such procedures shall be subject to a single set of rules and lead to the conclusion of single legal commitments. For that purpose, the partners to the joint award procedure may make resources available to the Programme in accordance with Article 5 of this Regulation, or the partners may be entrusted with the implementation of the award procedure, where applicable in accordance with Article 62(1), point (c), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.In joint award procedures, representatives of the partners to the joint award procedure may also be members of the evaluation committee referred to in Article 153(3) of Regulation (EU, EURATOM) 2024/2509. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. In the case of joint award procedures concerning projects with a significant territorial, regional or local dimension, the relevant local and regional authorities shall be involved from the outset. Pursuing the objectives of Article 174 TFEU, the Commission and the participating partners shall ensure that the principles of multilevel governance and economic, social and territorial cohesion are upheld throughout the award and implementation stages. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2b. Member States may include, where appropriate, the planning of pipeline formation and corridor development within their Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) mechanisms, with a view to creating synergies between the Programme and the funding instruments under the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs), to ensure a coordinated and efficient use of Union resources. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. For clarity, following necessary agreement, projects which include elements in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland are eligible for funding |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The Programme shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 under direct management or under indirect management with entities referred to in Article 62(1), point (c), of that Regulation. | 1. The Programme shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom 2024/2509 under direct management or under indirect management with entities referred to in Article 62(1), point (c), of that Regulation. The Commission shall indicate and justify the choice of the implementation model (direct or indirect management) for each project. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. Where the Programme makes use of the ECF InvestEU Instrument or GE delivery mechanism, it shall provide the provisioning for the budgetary guarantee and the financing to financial instruments, including when combined with non-repayable support in the form of a blending operation. | 5. Where the Programme makes use of the ECF InvestEU Instrument or GE delivery mechanism, it shall provide the provisioning for the budgetary guarantee and the financing to financial instruments, including when combined with non-repayable support in the form of a blending operation. Where duly justified, the duration of individual projects may be extended, subject to the applicable rules and procedures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5a. Where Programme funding is used for projects implemented in synergy with territorial investments and in combination with funding under the NRPPs, eligibility shall be assessed not only on the basis of alignment with the TEN-T Core Network, but also on the basis of the project’s demonstrated strategic relevance and contribution to the functional integration, accessibility and cohesion of the TEN-T at regional and local level, including connection improvements in secondary transport networks in urban nodes and functional urban areas. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5b. Grants may be combined with financing from the European Investment Bank and other development or public financial institutions, as well as private-sector financial institutions and investors, including through public-private partnerships. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. In order to be eligible for funding, applications shall comply with all relevant Union's environmental legislation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) entities established in a Member States; | (a) entities established in a Member State, including local and regional authorities and public-law bodies under their control, European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs), Eurocity, public-law bodies managing multimodal nodes, and recognised cross-border regional cooperation structures; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5a. Especially for actions combining CEF Programme funding with NRPPs, award procedures shall take into account territorial characteristics, including remoteness, demographic sparsity, rural, insularity, mountain characteristics and cross-border relevance, the contribution of the project to the connectivity of strategic nodes, hinterland areas and urban nodes even where such areas are not part of the TEN-T Core or Core extended Network, as well as the specific situation and development needs of the Eastern border regions in the context of geopolitical tensions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 8. The work programme referred to in Article 110 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 or the documents related to the award procedure may further specify the eligibility criteria set out in this Regulation or set additional eligibility criteria for specific actions. | 8. The work programme referred to in Article 110 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 or the documents related to the award procedure may further specify the eligibility criteria set out in this Regulation or set additional eligibility criteria for specific actions. In this context, additional eligibility criteria may be provided for, where appropriate, taking into account accident prevention, emergency management and the safeguarding of the continuity of essential services within transport and energy infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. The grant reduction conditions set out in paragraph 1 shall not apply in cases of force majeure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Without prejudice to the use of competitive procedures wherever appropriate in accordance with Article 192(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and in addition to Article 198 of that Regulation, the work programme referred to in Article 12 of this Regulation may, where duly justified with reference to the need to facilitate completion of a global project, specify an action and beneficiaries, and set out an amount up to which proposals may be invited for extension of ongoing or completed actions under the Programme, while ensuring equal treatment and transparency in line with Article 191 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. The award for ongoing actions may take the form of an amendment to the original action by adding new activities and increasing the maximum Union contribution. The commitment appropriations referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article shall be used to cover the amounts reserved in the work programme for such awards. | 4. Without prejudice to the use of competitive and transparent procedures wherever appropriate in accordance with Article 192(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and in addition to Article 198 of that Regulation, the work programme referred to in Article 12 of this Regulation may, where duly justified with reference to the need to facilitate completion of a global project, including to increase the security of the Union’s civil and military mobility, specify an action and beneficiaries, and set out an amount up to which proposals may be invited for extension of ongoing or completed actions under the Programme, while ensuring equal treatment and transparency in line with Article 191 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. The award for ongoing actions may take the form of an amendment to the original action by adding new activities and increasing the maximum Union contribution. The commitment appropriations referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article shall be used to cover the amounts reserved in the work programme for such awards. When applying this paragraph, priority shall be given to actions that complete or reactivate cross-border sections, remove bottlenecks and eliminate missing links on the core and extended core network corridors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. For works relating to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2), point (a), the amount of Union financial support shall not exceed 50% of the total eligible cost. The co-financing rate for actions taking place in Member States with a per capita GNI of less than 90 % of the Union GNI, the amount of Union financial support shall not exceed 75% of the total eligible cost. | 6. For works relating to the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2), point (a), the amount of Union financial support shall not exceed 50% of the total eligible cost. The co-financing rate for actions taking place in Member States with a per capita GNI of less than 90 % of the Union GNI, the amount of Union financial support shall not exceed 85% of the total eligible cost. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 8. In each of the transport and energy sectors, as regards works undertaken in outermost regions, a specific maximum co-financing rate of 60% shall apply. | 8. In each of the transport and energy sectors, as regards works undertaken in outermost regions, a specific maximum co-financing rate of 85% shall apply. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The provided co-financing rate may be increased when duly justified. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 9a. In accordance with Article 196(2a) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, activities and expenses incurred before 1 January 2028 may be eligible provided that they ensure continuation of the actions under Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 as part of specific global projects. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy | Cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The Commission shall conduct, at least once a year, a selection of cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy, based on the criteria and procedure set out in this Article, in the delegated act referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article and the related work programme referred to in Article 12. | 1. The Commission shall conduct, at least once a year, a selection of cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system, based on the criteria and procedure set out in this Article, in the delegated act referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article and the related work programme referred to in Article 12. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. Cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy should provide cost savings for the deployment of renewable energy across the Union or other benefits for system integration, security of supply, competitiveness or innovation, in comparison to a similar project implemented by one of the participating Member States or third country alone. | 2. Cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system should provide cost savings for the deployment of renewable energy across the Union or other benefits for system integration, security of supply, competitiveness or innovation, in comparison to a similar project implemented by one of the participating Member States or third country alone. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. The Commission may decide to allocate the Programme budget envisaged for cross-border projects in the field of renewable energy to the Union renewable energy financing mechanism established by Article 33 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 where it can achieve the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2), point (b)(ii) of the Regulation, and where it can contribute to the reduction of the costs of capital for renewable energy projects. The total contribution made for the period from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2034 shall not exceed 5% of the budget of this Programme envisaged for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (b). | 5. The Commission may decide to allocate the Programme budget envisaged for cross border projects in the field of renewable energy and other solutions contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system to the Union renewable energy financing mechanism established by Article 33 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 where it can achieve the specific objective referred to in Article 3(2), point (b)(ii) of the Regulation, and where it can contribute to the reduction of the costs of capital for renewable energy projects. The total contribution made for the period from 1 January 2028 to 31 December 2034 shall not exceed 5% of the budget of this Programme envisaged for the specific objectives referred to in Article 3(2), point (b). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 11a | |
| Support mechanism for cross-border projects | |
| 1. For projects involving two or more Member States, the Commission shall, at the request of at least one Member State involved, provide coordination support to overcome multi-jurisdictional barriers liable to affect the implementation of the project, including: | |
| a) project-specific guidelines; | |
| b) assistance in the coordination between competent national and regional authorities. | |
| 2. The Commission shall draw up general guidelines on good practices applicable to cross-border projects by 1 June 2028. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 11b | |
| Accelerated strategic projects | |
| Cross-border projects identified as vital for energy security and military and civilian mobility shall be eligible to benefit from accelerated evaluation and selection procedures with shortened deadlines. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. The work programmes ensure that, within the evaluation criteria and selection priorities, particular attention is given to actions that address missing links and structural bottlenecks affecting the continuity, capacity, and resilience of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The work programmes shall set out, where applicable, the activities and related amounts of Union support to be implemented through the ECF InvestEU Instrument and GE delivery mechanism. | 2. The work programmes shall set out, where applicable, the activities and related amounts of Union support to be implemented, including through the ECF InvestEU Instrument and GE delivery mechanism. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3. The work programmes shall be adopted by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(3). | 3. The work programmes shall be adopted by the Commission by means of delegated acts. The work programmes shall clearly and transparently define eligibility conditions, award criteria and implementation arrangements for the funded actions, with a view to ensuring predictability for beneficiaries and efficient Programme management. Where relevant, they may specify the types of actions and the related functional criteria supported under the Programme and implemented in coordination with projects financed under the NRPPs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. When preparing the work programmes, the Commission shall ensure structured and proper involvement of local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders, where the envisaged actions have a significant territorial impact. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3b. The Programme shall support capacity-building and technical assistance measures aimed at strengthening the ability of local and regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to prepare, develop and implement high-quality project proposals eligible under the Connecting Europe Facility. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3c. In order to provide transparency and predictability, the Commission shall adopt the first work programme by March 2028, including the timetable of the calls for proposals, the topics and the indicative budget for at least the first three years. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3d. The Committee of the Regions may participate as an observer where the matters discussed concern actions with a significant territorial impact. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 11(4) and 413 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. Representatives of third countries or international organisations shall not be present in deliberations on matters related to Article 12(3) of this Regulation. | 5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 11(4) and Article 13 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. Representatives of third countries or international organisations shall not be present in deliberations on matters related to Article 12(3) of this Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Indicative list of projects of common interest with cross-border dimension as referred to in Article 3(2)(a) first indent. | Indicative list of projects of common interest with cross-border dimension as referred to in Art 3(2)(a) first indent, or intended to connect the outermost regions (ORs) to mainland Europe; |
| Atlantic Corridor | |
| FR - ES | Bordeaux - Burgos |
| ES - PT | Madrid - Lisbon |
| PT - ES | Porto - Vigo - A Coruña |
| Atlantic Corridor | |
| FR - ES | Bordeaux - Burgos |
| ES - PT | Madrid - Lisbon |
| PT - ES | Porto - Vigo - A Coruña |
| Azores - Madeira - Mainland Portugal |
| Baltic Sea — Black Sea — Aegean Sea Corridor | |
| RO - BG | Craiova - Sofia |
| RO - BG | Bucharest - Giurgiu - Ruse - Varna |
| BG - EL | Sofia - Thessaloniki |
| EL - BG | Thessaloniki - Alexandropoulis - Burgas |
| PL - SK - HU | Krakow - Košice - Miskolc |
| RO - UA | Ploesti - Bacau - Chernivtsi |
| RO - MD | Iasi - Chisinau |
| Baltic Sea — Black Sea — Aegean Sea Corridor | |
| RO - BG | Caransebeș - Sofia |
| RO - BG | Bucharest - Giurgiu - Ruse - Varna |
| BG - EL | Sofia - Thessaloniki |
| EL - BG | Thessaloniki - Alexandropoulis - Burgas |
| PL - SK - HU | Krakow - Košice - Miskolc |
| RO - UA | Ploesti - Bacau - Chernivtsi |
| RO - MD | Iasi - Chisinau |
| Baltic Sea — Black Sea — Aegean Sea Corridor | |
| RO - BG | Craiova - Sofia |
| RO - BG | Bucharest - Giurgiu - Ruse - Varna |
| BG - EL | Sofia - Thessaloniki |
| EL - BG | Thessaloniki - Alexandropoulis - Burgas |
| PL - SK - HU | Krakow - Košice - Miskolc |
| RO - UA | Ploesti - Bacau - Chernivtsi |
| RO - MD | Iasi - Chisinau |
| Baltic Sea — Black Sea — Aegean Sea Corridor | |
| RO - BG | Craiova - Sofia |
| RO - BG | Bucharest/Videle - Giurgiu - Ruse - Varna |
| RO - BG | Bucharest - Giurgiu - Ruse - Varna |
| BG - EL | Sofia - Thessaloniki |
| EL - BG | Thessaloniki - Alexandropoulis - Burgas |
| PL - SK - HU | Krakow - Košice - Miskolc |
| RO - UA | Ploesti - Bacau - Chernivtsi |
| RO - MD | Iasi - Chisinau |
| Baltic Sea — Adriatic Sea Corridor | |
| PL - CZ | Katowice / Opole - Ostrava – Brno |
| AT - SI | Graz - Maribor |
| AT - SK - HU | Wien - Bratislava - Budapest |
| PL – SK | Katowice - Žilina |
| Baltic Sea — Adriatic Sea Corridor | |
| PL - CZ | Katowice / Opole - Ostrava – Brno |
| AT - SI | Graz - Maribor |
| AT - SK - HU | Wien - Bratislava - Budapest |
| AT – HU - HR | Wien – Szombathely – Zagreb |
| PL – SK | Katowice - Žilina |
| Mediterranean Corridor | |
| FR - IT | Lyon - Turin |
| FR – ES | Montpellier - Perpignan - Barcelona |
| FR - IT | Nice – Genova |
| IT - SI | Trieste - Divača / Ljubljana |
| HU - UA | Nyiregyhaza - Chop |
| Mediterranean Corridor | |
| HR-HU | Rijeka – Zagreb – Szekesfehervar |
| FR - IT | Lyon - Turin |
| FR – ES | Montpellier - Perpignan - Barcelona |
| FR - IT | Nice – Genova |
| IT - SI | Trieste - Divača / Ljubljana |
| HU - UA | Nyiregyhaza - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| PL - SK - HU | Warsaw - Lublin - Rzeszów - Košice - Budapest |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg - Schirnding - Cheb (railway) |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - PL | Dresden - Görlitz - Zgorzelec (railway) |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Rhine — Danube Corridor | |
| DE - CZ | Nürnberg / Regensburg - Pilsen - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha |
| DE - CZ | Dresden - Praha/Kolín (inland waterway) |
| CZ - AT - SK | Brno - Wien / Bratislava |
| DE - AT - SK - HU - HR - RO - BG | Rhine / Danube (inland waterway) |
| SK - CZ | Olomouc (Zlin) - Žilina |
| HU - RO | Budapest - Cluj/Timisoara |
| SK - UA | Košice - Chop |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| SE - DE - DK | Stockholm – København – Lübeck (covering the Fehmarn Belt fixed link) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Hallsberg/Stockholm-Sundsvall - Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| Luleä – Kiruna - Narvik (Malmbanan/Ofotenbanan) (Bothnian Corridor) | |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
| Scandinavian — Mediterranean Corridor | |
| IT - AT - DE | Munich - Verona (covering the Brenner Base tunnel) |
| DE - DK | Copenhagen - Lübeck (covering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel) |
| SE - FI | Umeå - Luleå - Oulu (Bothnian corridor) |
| Moi Rana (NO) via Storuman and Umeä/Holmsund (SE) to Vaasa Tampere-Helsinki (Fl) (Kvarken Link/Nordic Connector) | |
| SE - NO | Stockholm - Oslo |
Back matter, 1
Parts that accompany the text rather than belong to it: explanatory statement, annexes, opinions appended by other committees. Collapsed.
Annex: declaration of input 4 blocks
Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she included in her opinion input on matters pertaining to the subject of the file that she received, in the preparation of the opinion, prior to the adoption thereof in committee, from the following interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from the following representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies:
| 1. Interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register |
| Terna spa - Reg. Number 937812815077-68 |
| Snam S.p.A. - Reg. Number 284336314886-25 |
| Ferrovie dello Stato S.p.A. - REG Number 1954267427-31 |
| Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies - Reg. Number 7574621118-27 |
| 2. Representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies |
Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament's Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.
Procedure pages and committee votes
How the committees handled the text and how their members voted on it. Collapsed.
Procedure – committee asked for opinion 1 block
| Title | Establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 | |
| References | COM(2025)0547 – C10-0167/2025 – 2025/0221(COD) | |
| Committee(s) responsible Date announced in plenary | ITRE 23.10.2025 | TRAN 23.10.2025 |
| Opinion by Date announced in plenary | REGI 23.10.2025 | |
| Rapporteur for opinion Date appointed | Antonella Sberna 16.1.2026 | |
| Discussed in committee | 25.2.2026 | |
| Date adopted | 14.4.2026 | |
| Result of final vote | +: –: 0: | 30 0 0 |
Final vote by roll call by the committee asked for opinion 3 blocks
30 · For
- ECR
- Denis Nesci, Antonella Sberna
- ESN
- Irmhild Boßdorf
- EPP
- Pascal Arimont, Fredis Beleris, Nikolina Brnjac, Daniel Buda, Christian Doleschal, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Isabelle Le Callennec, Alexandra Mehnert, Andrey Novakov, Marta Wcisło
- Patriots
- Klara Dostalova, Julien Leonardelli, André Rougé, Rody Tolassy
- Renew
- Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Elsi Katainen, Ciaran Mullooly
- S&D
- Andi Cristea, Sérgio Gonçalves, Nora Mebarek, Marcos Ros Sempere, Georgia Tramacere
- The Left
- Kathleen Funchion, Valentina Palmisano
- Greens
- Ana Miranda Paz, Vladimir Prebilič, Mārtiņš Staķis
Connections
The dossier, the decisions on this text and its other versions.
No connections found for this item.
Sources & citation
Where the facts on this page come from, and how to cite it.
- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Retrieved
- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153”. Text, 16 April 2026. docId REGI-AD-782352. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AD-782352 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/REGI-AD-782352 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-regi-ad-782352,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2028-2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-04-16},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AD-782352}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AD-782352},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId REGI-AD-782352. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}