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 SEDE-AD-784322 · COM(2025)0547 – C100167/2025 – 2025/0221(COD)
- Kind
- Opinion parliamentary committee SEDE-AD-784322
- Date
- 17 April 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Security and Defence
- Rapporteur
- Petras Auštrevičius
- Dossier
- 2025-0221
More facts (3)
- Formats
- Official page PDF Word
- Subject matter
- PESC, RTR
- Reference
- COM(2025)0547 – C100167/2025 – 2025/0221(COD)
In short
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The Committee on Security and Defence gives its opinion on the proposed Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) regulation for 2028-2034, which funds transport, energy and digital networks. It proposes amendments to make military mobility a central objective, with dual-use infrastructure, protection of critical infrastructure and cooperation with NATO. The amendments add military mobility to the programme's general objectives, require transport and energy infrastructure to meet defence needs, and extend corridors to Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans. They require cybersecurity, physical protection and resilience measures for critical infrastructure, restrictions on high-risk suppliers, and priority for projects on the four EU military mobility corridors. They also ask for faster permitting, reporting to Parliament, and support for military fuels and energy infrastructure in the eastern border regions.
Position. The Committee on Security and Defence proposes amendments to the CEF regulation to strengthen military mobility, dual-use infrastructure, protection of critical infrastructure and cooperation with NATO and partner countries, and submits them to the lead committees ITRE and TRAN.
Key points
- The opinion says military mobility is an urgent priority for EU security and defence, to be pursued in complementarity with NATO and in support of Ukraine.
- It proposes adding to the CEF regulation's objectives the building, protection and resilience of transport and energy networks, including dual-use infrastructure for rapid military movement, with focus on the EU's eastern flank and external borders.
- It calls for enhancing physical and cyber protection of critical infrastructure along the four EU military mobility corridors, in cooperation with NATO, and for counter-mobility infrastructure planning.
- It asks to extend military transport corridors into Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans to deter future aggression.
- It proposes that transport actions take into account military requirements such as load-bearing capacity, clearance profiles and interoperability with Union and NATO standards.
- It calls for synergies with defence funding instruments such as EDIP, EDIRPA and the European Competitiveness Fund.
- It proposes that actions with digital components meet minimum cybersecurity requirements, and that military mobility actions require a cyber risk assessment and security-by-design architecture.
- It proposes eligibility restrictions on high-risk suppliers for security reasons, with additional assessment criteria for military mobility actions including defence readiness and supply chain security.
- It proposes that grants for dual-use infrastructure give priority to projects on the four EU military mobility corridors, and that co-financing rates may rise to 75% for projects enhancing resilience and cross-border cooperation.
- It proposes that grant agreements for military mobility include obligations on physical security, cybersecurity, risk management and business continuity, with possible reduction, suspension or termination for non-compliance.
- It proposes accelerated permitting procedures with binding deadlines for priority corridors and military mobility actions.
- It proposes that the Commission provide Parliament and the Council with draft work programmes, a dashboard of the four military mobility corridors, and an annual report on the military mobility component.
Who is affected
- EU member states, especially those on the eastern border, which would benefit from infrastructure upgrades and protection.
- NATO and partner countries such as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans, whose transport links would be extended.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises in defence and dual-use technology, which the opinion says need dedicated EU funding.
- High-risk suppliers, which would face eligibility restrictions for security reasons.
- The Commission, which would have to report to Parliament and maintain a dashboard on military mobility corridors.
Figures and deadlines
- The CEF budget is proposed to rise from €33.71 billion to €81.4 billion.
- Military mobility is proposed to receive €17.6 billion, a tenfold increase over the previous CEF.
- The estimated investment need for addressing 500 hotspots is at least EUR 100 billion.
- The core network of the trans-European transport network is to be completed by 2030 and the extended core network by 2040.
- Union financial support for works under the transport objective shall not exceed 50% of total eligible cost, or 75% for member states with per capita GNI below 90% of the Union GNI.
- Co-financing rates may be increased to a maximum of 75% for certain projects enhancing resilience and cross-border cooperation.
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Short justification
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has drawn renewed attention to the urgent need to facilitate the rapid cross-border movement of troops, military equipment and supplies throughout the EU in order to strengthen deterrence and defence. The rapidly changing geopolitical environment requires the EU and its Member States, in coordination with NATO, to be ready to respond to potential acts of aggression by all means. Military mobility is a strategic enabler for common European security and defence and the resilience and speed of military movements in Europe have now become an essential condition in the defence of Europe. It is a priority for EU-NATO cooperation and must enable, by an aligned approach, the movement of allied forces both in times of peace, crisis or war. Enhanced interoperability in the EU, with NATO and with partners such as Ukraine, is vital for our collective defence.
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a financing instrument under the upcoming Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) that serves as the key EU tool for promoting interconnectivity and interoperability of national transport networks besides supporting cross-border energy infrastructure and digital backbone projects. The Commission's legislative proposal for CEF for 2028-2034 amends the previous two CEF Regulations. Compared to the 2021-2027 CEF, the budget is proposed to rise from €33.71 billion to €81.4 billion.
A key component of the CEF's transport pillar is military mobility with a proposed budget of €17.6 billion which is a tenfold increase over the previous CEF, but still short of estimated investment need of at least EUR 100 billion for addressing the 500 hotspots identified in the EU as needing urgent upgrading. The new CEF should provide EU funding for implementing dual-use civilian-military transport projects to enable rapid and seamless movement of troops, military equipment and supplies throughout the EU. The EU has identified four priority multimodal military mobility corridors covering rail, road, rivers, sea and air, which need substantial and urgent investments aiming inter alia at the widening of railway tunnels, the reinforcing of road and railway bridges and the expanding of port and airport terminals. The proposal also introduces more flexibility in re-grouping money for military transports in emergency situations.
In his draft opinion prepared for TRAN and ITRE as lead committees, Your Rapporteur addresses the following main points of the proposal in the SEDE fields of competence:
(i) there is an urgent need to improve military mobility as part of the broader strategic objective of enhancing the European defence-readiness, in full complementarity with NATO; military mobility is an essential strategic enabler for common European security and defence and also for military support to Ukraine;
(ii) military mobility is a priority for EU-NATO cooperation and must facilitate the movement of allied forces both in times of peace, crisis or war; particular attention must be paid to reinforcing the defence of the Eastern border regions of the EU, which are already experiencing the direct effects and security threats of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
(iii) both the physical and cyber protection and resilience of critical infrastructure along the four priority military mobility corridors must be, in cooperation with NATO, enhanced;
(iv) counter-mobility infrastructure also forms an important part of military mobility, requiring coordinated planning and preparation for counter-mobility infrastructure particularly in the four military mobility corridors;
(vi) synergies need to be achieved with relevant defence-related funding instruments, such as EDIP, EDIRPA and others;
(vii) there is the utmost importance to extend also military transport corridors into Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans, in order to deter eventual future aggression on the EU’s territory.
The Committee on Security and Defence 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 |
|---|---|
| (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, including their adaptation for military mobility and leveraging funding from both the public and the private sectors, while increasing legal certainty, accountability 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. In conformity with these general objectives, the Programme should contribute to facilitate a fluid, prompt and resilient military mobility on the trans-European transport network, thereby strengthening the Union's defence preparedness, crisis response capacity, and overall resilience. 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. The envisaged significant reinforcement of resources reflects the Union’s commitment to research, strategic autonomy, the clean transition, defence, technological sovereignty and economic resilience, as well as transport, including military mobility and cross-border connections; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) In light of the deteriorating security environment, notably Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and threats faced by the Eastern border regions of the EU, the Union should ensure the rapid and secure movement of military personnel, goods, equipment, supplies and assets across its territory with a particular focus to its Eastern flank. There is a growing importance of adapting dual-use transport infrastructure in the current geopolitical context. There is an urgent need to improve military mobility and protect critical transport and energy infrastructure, as part of the broader strategic objective of enhancing the European defence-readiness, as well as to enable civilian evacuation, humanitarian assistance. Harmonisation and interoperability would strengthen the Union’s crisis preparedness including operational readiness, military mobility, and resilience in large-scale emergencies. Transport and energy infrastructure should contribute to the Union’s security and defence objectives, in full complementarity with NATO, while delivering tangible civilian benefits. The infrastructure financed under the Programme should be designed, upgraded and operated according to a comprehensive security approach while being part of a “whole-of-society” approach, involving public, private and civil actors and based on clear communication of the measures implemented. |
| 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 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 with dedicated capacities, ensuring mobility and large-scale deployment forces. Military mobility was identified as a critical enabler for common European security and defence in the 2023 EU capability development priorities (CDP). A resilient, interoperable and well-connected transport network also contributes directly to the security and defence of the Union. Furthermore, investment in military mobility could, where it does not create operational drawbacks or administrative burden, contribute to a more sustainable and decarbonised transport network. 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 infrastructure and 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. Military mobility requires transport networks capable of supporting short-notice and large-scale movements of personnel and equipment, including heavy military assets exceeding civilian design standards. This includes ensuring that roads, bridges, tunnels, rail corridors, ports and airports possess the structural capacity, interoperability and resilience required for dual-use operations. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| (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 facilitate projects in disadvantaged, less connected, rural, insular, coastal, peripheral, congested, outermost, isolated regions or those under imminent security threats, notably along the Eastern border, so as to enable access to the Trans-European energy and transport networks while enhancing the security and defence of the entire Union and partner countries associated to the Programme in terms of civil and military preparedness, 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. The Union should ensure that projects under the Programme also take into account, as stated in the Action Plan on Drone and Counter Drone Security, the particular vulnerability of the maritime domain to threats and attacks by aerial, surface, and underwater drones. |
| 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, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj) |
| 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 development cross-border, including ports and their hinterland connections as well as the deployment of alternative fuels and supply network to ensure a sustainable military mobility, 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. |
| 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 strategic enabler of Union security and defence and stressed the Union added-value in supporting dual-use infrastructure for mobility. In the Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, the Commission and the High Representative recognised the importance of identifying military mobility hot-spot projects and of removing key gaps and bottlenecks along the four EU military mobility corridors. The development of coherent infrastructure in the four EU military mobility corridors is essential for deploying and supplying troops and military equipment at short notice and therefore crucial for the EU’s security and defence. 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. Military mobility is an essential strategic enabler for common European security and defence and also for military support to Ukraine. Strengthening the logistics of the armed forces also matches the need to make our economy more connected and competitive and increase capacity to react to natural and man-made disasters. It is essential that the Union’s transport infrastructure enables rapid and efficient movement of military personnel, goods, supplies and equipment by air, land and waterborne. It is therefore essential that transport infrastructure projects of common interest are, where relevant, designed and upgraded according to dual-use requirements from the outset, ensuring effective use for both civilian and military purposes. Counter-mobility infrastructure also forms an important part of military mobility, requiring coordinated planning and preparation for counter-mobility infrastructure particularly in the four EU military mobility corridors, prioritising the Eastern and Northern corridors. Accordingly, the infrastructure for all transport modes should be upgraded to meet the military requirements, including load-bearing capacity, gauge and interoperability standards, and resilience against disruption, and be accompanied by a secure digital system, robust cybersecurity measures and a protected data exchange capacity. Particular attention should be given to closing infrastructure gaps along the EU military mobility corridors and improving cross-border continuity, including rail compatibility, bridge reinforcement, and bottleneck removal. The Programme should also support investments in enabling capabilities such as logistics hubs, fuel and energy supply infrastructure, and digital systems facilitating secure and rapid coordination of military movements. 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. The Programme should, where appropriate, focus on addressing bottlenecks and missing links along dual-use corridors and on enhancing interoperability and rapid cross-border deployment. |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| (5a) Transport and energy infrastructure are increasingly exposed to hybrid threats, including sabotage, cyber-attacks, and other forms of disruption aimed at weakening the Union’s security, resilience, and preparedness. Such threats often target critical cross-border infrastructure and key transport and energy corridors in order to disrupt connectivity and the functioning of the internal market. Safeguarding the use of current transport and energy infrastructure in all situations is the fastest and most cost-effective way to improve military mobility and energy security. The Programme should therefore contribute to strengthening the resilience and reliability of infrastructure, including supporting measures that help prevent and withstand disruptions caused by hybrid attacks. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (5b) Military mobility in the Union relies extensively on transport infrastructure that is primarily developed and used for civilian purposes. Roads, railways, ports, and airports enable the movement of both civilians, goods and military forces across the Union. It is therefore important that, when transport infrastructure is planned, upgraded, and maintained, military requirements are also sufficiently taken into account. This includes ensuring appropriate military connections, interoperability, and the ability to move personnel and equipment quickly and reliably across borders. Strengthening this dual-use approach will improve the Union’s defence preparedness, while at the same time supporting civilian mobility, economic activity, and connectivity. |
| 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 the rapid and large-scale transportation of military equipment and personnel across the EU at speed and scale, taking into account the military expertise of the EU and of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), with full respect for the decision-making autonomy of the Union and the Member States, as well as of operational requirements identified jointly with Member States. 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 Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework of measures to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods and personnel across the Union (EU XXX), with the objectives of the Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0, including enhanced EU-NATO coordination and a whole-of-government approach to resilience, as well as with relevant funding instruments, such as the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), the Instrument for the reinforcement of the European defence industry through common procurement (EDIRPA) and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and others, to achieve synergies in enhancing the EU’s overall capacity for swift and secure military transports. It should also draw lessons from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Programme should contribute to reducing current delays caused by fragmented procedures and ensure that infrastructure and regulatory frameworks allow military movements within operationally relevant timelines. It should support the development and upgrading of multimodal infrastructure necessary for military mobility, including maritime, submarine, fluvial, road, rail and air transport corridors, ensuring interoperability, resilience and dual-use capacity and infrastructure. The Programme should also ensure the digital security of mobility systems, including in the command, control and coordination process. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6a) The protection and resilience of critical transport infrastructure is of utmost importance to ensure the Union’s security and it requires also a more harmonised and thorough screening of foreign direct investment in the EU. The Programme should allow, where appropriate, for the preparation of dual-use infrastructure and facilities contributing to counter-mobility, in accordance with civil needs and security requirements. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the defence and dual-use technology sectors need dedicated EU funding which is necessary to safeguard their innovation capacity, strategic autonomy, and security of supply within the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6b) It is also of utmost importance to extend transport corridors, including for military mobility, into Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans, in order to enhance interoperability, increase operational responsiveness, strengthen logistical resilience, including under the so-called solidarity lanes, and support partners where appropriate in their resistance against Russian aggression and other hybrid threats in the region, and deter future aggression on the EU’s territory. |
| 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. 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 and designed with an appropriate level of cybersecurity and resilience, in line with Union security requirements. 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. The Programme should support initiatives aimed at enhancing civic awareness and preparedness concerning the use and protection of strategic infrastructure in crisis situations, without disclosing classified or sensitive military information. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) The PROTECT EU Strategy stresses that security is the bedrock upon which all our freedoms are built and builds on the consideration that security shall be mainstreamed in all EU policies. | (8) The PROTECT EU Strategy stresses that security is the bedrock upon which all our freedoms are built and builds on the consideration that security shall be mainstreamed in all EU policies. This includes the physical and cyber protection of critical infrastructure against hybrid threats, the use of unmanned systems as well as the reduction of strategic dependencies, especially on high-risk suppliers. The protection of critical transport and energy infrastructure is of urgency to ensure the Union’s security and continuation of energy supply. |
| 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 and interconnected, ensuring the Union’s energy security and independence, energy affordability, industrial competitiveness, while ensuring security of supply, system reliability, affordability and the elimination of structural dependencies on hostile third-country energy suppliers. 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. |
| 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (9a) In light of cyberattacks, hybrid threats, continued weaponisation of energy by hostile actors and acts of sabotage against energy infrastructure experienced by Member States in Eastern border regions of the EU in relation to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is of crucial importance to support investment in the protection and resilience of existing and planned critical energy infrastructure, including through enhanced physical protection, preparedness and cybersecurity measures, with a view to strengthening the Union’s energy security. Special consideration should be given in particular to expanding the liquid fuel transport infrastructure, as the existing multinational pipeline network is limited and not connected to the areas most exposed to current military threats. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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 promoting energy market integration and interoperability of energy networks across borders including also the development of sustainable military fuels as an alternative adapted to operational needs. Furthermore, the Programme aims to facilitate decarbonisation, to promote energy efficiency, to ensure security of supply, to reduce strategic vulnerabilities and dependencies, and to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of energy infrastructure including renewable energy generation, the development and completion of hydrological and hydropower projects of strategic importance, 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (12a) The Programme further aims to contribute to the development and extension of dual-use cross-border infrastructure for jet-fuels, with a view to strengthening the Union's energy security and security of supply, particularly in times of crisis, enhancing the ability of the Union and its Member States to prevent, withstand and rapidly respond to military threats to their sovereignty or territorial integrity. The Programme should also reinforce strategic energy connectivity with partner regions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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 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 ensure geographical balance while giving due priority to projects addressing urgent geopolitical vulnerabilities, particularly in Member States exposed to direct security threats or hybrid pressure. The Commission should also consider the strategic usefulness of the projects for military mobility, in order to enhance the resilience and continuity of European logistical military chains. 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. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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. 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. Such cooperation should contribute to the development of a resilient web of trusted connectivity with partner countries while strengthening the security and resilience of supply chains. In the field of transport, the cross-border sections listed in the Annex to this Regulation should be prioritised. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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, including military mobility 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. The Programme should contribute to strengthening the Union’s position as a strategic connectivity, reinforce supply chain resilience, and promote interoperability. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (18a) Administrative delays related to permitting procedures, assessments and appeals can be a major obstacle to the timely implementation of cross-border and dual-use projects, including those contributing to military mobility and the resilience of critical infrastructures. In order to ensure the effective and predictable implementation of the Programme, to strengthen the Union's defence preparedness and to improve the capacity to respond to crises, accelerated procedures with clear and binding deadlines should be provided for actions under priority corridors and military mobility actions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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, with particular priority given to reallocating unspent funds to strategically critical projects addressing security vulnerabilities. Any reduction, withdrawal or reallocation of a grant should be duly justified, traceable and communicated to the Parliament in accordance with the applicable transparency and security requirements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (22) Given the size of the necessary works, it can happen that for the implementation of a cross-border section, several activities are carried out in parallel and are supported through different grant agreements but contributing to the same objective which is called the ’global project’. In order to contribute to a more efficient use of Union resources and ensure that important infrastructure objectives can be fully achieved, the Programme should allow for redirection of available funds within the scope of the same global project. Without prejudice to the use of competitive procedures in line with Article 192(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and in addition to the provisions of Article 198 of that Regulation, it should be possible to award such redirection of funds through amendments to the original actions, subject to the conditions set out in the work programme, including the maximum Union contribution. | (22) Given the size of the necessary works, it can happen that for the implementation of a cross-border section, several activities are carried out in parallel and are supported through different grant agreements but contributing to the same objective which is called the ’global project’. In order to contribute to a more efficient use of Union resources, to ensure that important infrastructure objectives can be fully achieved and to be able to respond to security needs in emergency, the Programme should allow for redirection of available funds within the scope of the same global project. Without prejudice to the use of competitive procedures in line with Article 192(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and in addition to the provisions of Article 198 of that Regulation, it should be possible to award such redirection of funds through amendments to the original actions, subject to the conditions set out in the work programme, including the maximum Union contribution. |
| 15 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj). | 15 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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 on the basis of robust, transparent and proportionate security assessments. Such assessments should inter alia take into account risks related to foreign ownership or influence, malicious interference, cyber and hybrid threats, control over critical technologies, strategic dependencies and vulnerabilities affecting the integrity, availability and resilience of critical and dual-use infrastructure. In accordance with Article 346 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), such eligibility restrictions are particularly justified for actions related to military mobility given their direct relevance for defence interests, defence planning and operational readiness, as well as for ensuring the secure, rapid and unhindered movement of armed forces and military equipment across the Union. Particular attention should be paid to eligibility restrictions regarding actions in support to military mobility, given the specific nature of such actions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (28a) The Programme should, where feasible and without creating operational or administrative constraints, seek to integrate climate and environmental considerations into the financing of military mobility infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (29a) The Programme should support the development, upgrading and protection of cross-border transport, energy and digital infrastructure of common European interest in the eastern border regions, including in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea basins, with a view to enhancing secure connectivity, military mobility, maritime route resilience, energy security and the robustness of strategic value chains. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (30) The Programme should respect the rights of persons with disabilities and in particular, ensure accessibility for them particularly in the transport sector. | (30) The Programme should respect the rights of persons with disabilities and in particular, ensure accessibility and continuity of access to essential transport services in crisis situations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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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. Priority should be given to cooperation with candidate countries and potential candidates, where this strengthens connectivity, resilience and security in the wider European neighbourhood. Participation should in particular support resilient and secure connectivity networks and avoid creating strategic vulnerabilities or dependencies. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1a. 'dual-use infrastructure' means infrastructure which can be used for both civil and military purposes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 7. ‘military mobility’ means the ability of the European Union and its Member States to rapidly and effectively transport, move, and deploy military personnel, equipment, and supplies within and across the borders of Member States, ensuring timely and effective response of Member States Armed forces; | 7. ‘military mobility’ means the ability of the European Union and its Member States to rapidly and effectively transport, move, and deploy military personnel, goods, equipment, and supplies within and across the borders of Member States, ensuring timely and effective response of Member States Armed forces, including in support of solidarity actions, humanitarian assistance or crisis management, where appropriate, while strengthening resilience, continuity of service, and the physical and cyber protection of dual-use transport infrastructure as well as critical supply chains in crisis situations; |
| 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, enhance the resilience and complete the trans-European networks and lift capacities in the transport and energy sectors, with the intention of supporting a functioning single market and fostering cohesion by ensuring a high level of resilience, including the physical and cyber protection of critical infrastructure, as well as operational efficiency and security of supply; to facilitate military mobility on the trans-European transport networks in the Union with particular focus to its Eastern flank and across its external borders by supporting dual-use transport infrastructure and related measures enabling the rapid, seamless and secure movement of military personnel, equipment, goods, supplies and assets and transport corridors enabling access to it; to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy; and to facilitate synergies among the transport, defence 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 interconnected, efficient, interoperable, decarbonised, smart, safe, protected, sustainable, resilient, secure and multimodal transport networks capable of supporting both civilian and military requirements in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, in particular through: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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 of a smart, resilient, interoperable, secure, safe, protected, decarbonised and sustainable trans-European transport network; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (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 projects of common interest with a cross-border dimension involving third countries, in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, with a view to strengthening connectivity between the Union and neighbouring partner countries, by giving priority to connections towards Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans, and by supporting interoperable, resilient and secure transport infrastructure; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (3a) actions relating to the projects of common interest for the development of a pool of EU military sealift capacity; |
| 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 parts of the trans-European transport network including sealines, increasing the number of available ports and logistic hubs for the dual use infrastructure and its protection against hybrid attacks with a view to improving both civilian and military mobility, fuel supply chains and logistics hubs, digital connectivity and capacities, focusing on the four EU Military Mobility Corridors identified by Member States in the revised Annex II to the Military Requirements for Military Mobility within and beyond the Union, as adopted by the Council on 17 March 2025. Transport actions under this Regulation shall, where relevant, take into account military mobility requirements including load-bearing capacity, clearance profiles, network continuity and interoperability, in accordance with applicable Union and NATO standards. They shall also enhance, in cooperation with NATO, both the physical and cyber protection and resilience of critical infrastructure along the four EU military mobility corridors, and contribute to the development of a European solidarity pool designed to address transport capacity shortages across the Member States. Military mobility is a priority for EU-NATO cooperation and must facilitate the movement of allied forces both in times of peace, crisis or war; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (iia) to improve planning, interoperability and deployment capacities, supporting harmonisation and streamlining of procedures and to strengthen the resilience, security and strategic connectivity of the trans-European transport network along the Union’s eastern flank, and for transport infrastructure to remain operational under emergency, crisis, or defence-related circumstances; |
| 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, with a view to promoting the completion of the Energy Union, the integration of an efficient, resilient and competitive internal energy market, and the interoperability of networks across borders and sectors, to facilitating decarbonisation of the economy ending energy grid isolation and eliminating interconnection bottlenecks, to protecting critical infrastructure, including by upgrading existing infrastructure, to promoting energy efficiency and to ensuring resilience and security of supply; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iia) to support investment in the protection and resilience of existing and planned critical energy infrastructure, including through enhanced physical protection, preparedness and cybersecurity measures, with a view to strengthening the Union’s energy security, ensuring the continuity of energy supply, and enhancing the ability to prevent, withstand and recover from disruptions and threats, including those of a hybrid nature, with a particular focus on cross-border and regionally significant assets, including interconnectors and transmission systems; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iib) to enhance the resilience, diversification and strategic connectivity of energy infrastructure of common European interest, in particular in the Union’s eastern border regions and in the Baltic Sea and Black Sea basins; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iic) to prioritise infrastructure projects that contribute to: | |
| (a) the elimination of dependency on hostile third-country suppliers; | |
| (b) the diversification of supply routes and sources; | |
| (c) increased storage and reserve capacities; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (iid) to facilitate the development of military sustainable fuels as an alternative adapted to the different military domains and operational needs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) to ensure adequate prioritisation of projects located in Member States most exposed to geopolitical risks, particularly along the Union’s eastern flank, where infrastructure gaps create strategic vulnerabilities affecting the security of the Union as a whole. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (bb) to ensure compatibility with military mobility requirements, including load-bearing capacity, clearance profiles, and secure access points. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. In the implementation of the objectives referred to in paragraph 2, point (a), particular attention shall be paid to strengthening resilience and deployment capacity along the eastern flank of the Union and in regions exposed to increased threats, without prejudice to territorial cohesion. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2b. The military mobility actions supported under the Programme shall promote technical interoperability (dimensions, axle loads, train lengths, resistance of structures, relevant port and airport standards) and the reduction of bottlenecks identified along EU military mobility corridors. |
| 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, partner 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 |
|---|---|
| Third countries associated to the Programme | Partner countries associated to the Programme |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The Programme may be opened to the participation of the following third countries through full or partial association, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 3 and in accordance with the relevant international agreements or any decisions adopted under the framework of those agreements and applicable to: | 1. The Programme may be opened to the participation of the following partner countries through full or partial association, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 3 and in accordance with the relevant international agreements or any decisions adopted under the framework of those agreements and applicable to: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) other third countries. | (d) other partner countries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1a. For actions in support of the objective laid down in Article 3(2), point (a)(ii), the Programme may be opened to the participation of the following partner countries through full or partial association, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 3 and in accordance with the relevant international agreements or any decisions adopted under the framework of those agreements and applicable to: | |
| (a) members of the European Free Trade Association which are members of the European Economic Area; | |
| (b) acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) ensure a fair balance as regards the contributions and benefits of the third country participating in the Programme; | (a) ensure a fair balance as regards the contributions and benefits of the partner country participating in the Programme; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) not confer on the third country any decision-making power in the Programme; | (c) not confer on the partner country any decision-making power in the Programme; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (e) where relevant, ensure the protection of security and public order interests of the Union. | (e) ensure the protection of security and public order interests of the Union. Association agreements shall specify enhanced safeguards regarding the protection of sensitive information, supply chain security, and the control of high-risk suppliers for actions having security implications. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ea) ensure that participation by partner countries supports the development of secure and resilient trusted connectivity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| For the purposes of point (d), the third country shall grant the necessary rights and access required under Regulations (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013, and guarantee that enforcement decisions imposing a pecuniary obligation on the basis of Article 299 TFEU, as well as judgements and orders of the Court of Justice of the European Union, are enforceable. | For the purposes of point (d), the partner country shall grant the necessary rights and access required under Regulations (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013, and guarantee that enforcement decisions imposing a pecuniary obligation on the basis of Article 299 TFEU, as well as judgements and orders of the Court of Justice of the European Union, are enforceable. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. Actions financed under the Programme that include digital components, traffic management, signalling, command-and-control or operational systems shall at least comply with minimum cybersecurity and information security requirements, proportionate to the level of risk. For actions falling under military mobility, a cyber risk assessment and a security-by-design architecture shall be required, in accordance with applicable Union law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Award procedures affecting security or public order, in particular concerning strategic assets and interests of the Union or its Member States, shall be restricted in accordance with Article 136 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions shall apply to high-risk suppliers, in line with EU law, for security reasons. | 4. Award procedures affecting security or public order, in particular concerning strategic assets and interests of the Union or its Member States, shall be restricted in accordance with Article 136 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. In accordance with Article 136 of the Financial Regulation, eligibility restrictions shall apply to high-risk suppliers, in line with EU law, for security reasons. For actions contributing to military mobility, including through the removal of cross-border bottlenecks, proposals shall be assessed against additional criteria, including their contribution to defence readiness, dual-use functionality, interoperability, supply chain security and resilience of critical infrastructure against hybrid and cyber threats. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 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 75% of the total eligible cost. The co-financing rates referred to in paragraph 7, point (a), of this Article may be increased to a maximum of 75% of the total eligible cost for actions contributing to the development of projects of common interest which, on the basis of the criteria set out in Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, significantly enhance the resilience and continuity of the Union’s transport network, reinforce cross-border operational cooperation or deliver advanced and strategically relevant solutions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 8a. When awarding grants for dual-use infrastructure, priority shall be given to projects located on the four EU Military Mobility Corridors. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 9. The support provided by the Programme shall accelerate or boost investments by addressing market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, avoiding duplication or crowding out, and by incentivising private funding and shall have Union added-value. | 9. The support provided by the Programme shall accelerate or boost investments by addressing market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, avoiding duplication or crowding out, and by incentivising private funding and shall have Union added-value. This added-value shall include the reduction of strategic dependencies and the strengthening of resilience, notably cyber and climate resilience of critical infrastructure. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 9a. Grant agreements relating to military mobility actions shall include proportionate obligations regarding physical security, cybersecurity, risk management and business continuity, as well as verifiable milestones in these areas. Substantial non-compliance with these obligations may result in the reduction, suspension or termination of the grant in accordance with the Financial Regulation. |
| 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 implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(3). The work programmes shall, in particular, specify the priorities, indicative amounts, and the applicable eligibility and award criteria, in order to ensure predictability, equal treatment and transparency, without prejudice to security and public order requirements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3a. The Commission shall make available to the Parliament and the Council, in due time, draft work programmes and relevant information on their implementation including on military mobility. The Commission shall share consolidated information on calls, awards, beneficiaries, amounts, progress and results, in an accessible format, subject to confidentiality and security rules. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 3b. The Commission shall establish and maintain a dashboard of the four EU military mobility corridors, including hotspots, indicative timetable, maturity, risks, and funding status. The dashboard shall be communicated to the Parliament at least once a year under arrangements compatible with security requirements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission may adopt an implementing act specifying the infrastructure requirements applicable to certain categories of infrastructure, which addresses both civilian and defence needs (‘dual use infrastructure’). | The Commission may adopt an implementing act specifying the infrastructure requirements applicable to certain categories of infrastructure, which addresses both civilian and defence needs (‘dual use infrastructure’). These requirements shall cover, where appropriate, physical security, cybersecurity, climate resilience and preparedness for crisis scenarios, including requirements enabling counter-mobility, in accordance with Union law and with due respect for the competences of the Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The Commission shall submit an annual report to the Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the military mobility component, including on: | |
| (a) the list of actions financed; | |
| (b) progress achieved; | |
| (c) the contribution to reducing hotspots; | |
| (d) resilience and cybersecurity measures; | |
| (e) synergies with partners, including Ukraine where relevant. | |
| Sensitive elements shall be communicated in accordance with appropriate security arrangements. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| North Sea - Baltic Corridor | North Sea - Baltic Corridor |
| EE - LV - LT - PL | FI - EE - LV - LT - PL |
| Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius - Warszawa (Rail Baltica) | Tornio – Oulu – Tampere – Helsinki - Tallinn - Riga - Vilnius - Warszawa (Rail Baltica) |
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 1 block
The rapporteur for opinion declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his opinion input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.
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 | SEDE 23.10.2025 | |
| Rapporteur for opinion Date appointed | Petras Auštrevičius 11.11.2025 | |
| Date adopted | 14.4.2026 | |
| Result of final vote | +: –: 0: | 28 5 4 |
Final vote by roll call by the committee asked for opinion 3 blocks
28 · For
- ECR
- Waldemar Buda, Elena Donazzan, Alberico Gambino, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra
- EPP
- Georgios Aftias, Wouter Beke, Salvatore De Meo, Michael Gahler, Niclas Herbst, Andrey Novakov, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Riho Terras, Pekka Toveri, Loránt Vincze
- Renew
- Petras Auštrevičius, Christophe Grudler, Marjan Šarec, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Lucia Yar
- S&D
- Tobias Cremer, Elio Di Rupo, Ana Catarina Mendes, Sven Mikser, Thijs Reuten
- Greens
- Hannah Neumann, Mārtiņš Staķis, Reinier Van Lanschot
5 · Against
- ESN
- Hans Neuhoff
- No group
- Michael von der Schulenburg
- Patriots
- Rachel Blom
- The Left
- Marc Botenga, Özlem Demirel
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, 17 April 2026. docId SEDE-AD-784322. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/SEDE-AD-784322 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/SEDE-AD-784322 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-sede-ad-784322,
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 = {2026-04-17},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/SEDE-AD-784322}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/SEDE-AD-784322},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId SEDE-AD-784322. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}