CEF Transport Funding

CEF Transport is the transport pillar of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the European Union programme that supports strategic transport infrastructure projects across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). It funds projects that improve connectivity, strengthen cross-border links, accelerate transport decarbonisation and enhance the resilience of European transport systems.

The CEF Transport Reflow Call 2026 is an additional funding opportunity expected to make around €1.1 billion available for transport infrastructure projects. The call is expected to focus on mature projects that contribute to TEN-T completion, sustainable mobility and transport decarbonisation.

CEF Transport is open to public authorities, infrastructure managers, ports, airports, rail operators, logistics organisations and private companies involved in transport infrastructure projects located on the TEN-T network.

Eligible projects may include rail infrastructure, ports, airports, inland waterways, alternative fuels infrastructure, multimodal transport hubs, intelligent transport systems and cross-border transport connections.

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is the EU’s strategic transport network connecting major cities, ports, airports and logistics hubs across Europe. Most CEF Transport projects must demonstrate a clear contribution to TEN-T objectives.

Funding rates depend on the type of action and project priority. Investment projects generally receive up to 30% of eligible costs, while studies, cross-border projects and projects in specific priority areas may receive higher co-financing rates.

Yes. Rail infrastructure is one of the main priorities of the programme. Eligible projects may include ERTMS deployment, freight corridors, cross-border rail links, rail network upgrades and projects that contribute to sustainable mobility.

Yes. The programme supports infrastructure for electricity, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Many of these investments are funded through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), which forms part of the CEF Transport framework.

Yes. Private companies can participate as beneficiaries or project partners, depending on the call conditions and the nature of the project. Collaboration with public authorities and infrastructure managers is often required.

Preparation time depends on project maturity and consortium size. For most projects, proposal development should start at least three to six months before the submission deadline to allow sufficient time for technical, financial and administrative preparation.

Projects are assessed based on their maturity, contribution to TEN-T objectives, European added value, impact on connectivity and sustainability, technical quality, implementation capacity and cost-effectiveness.

Zattia supports organisations throughout the entire project lifecycle, from opportunity assessment and proposal development to cost-benefit analysis, grant agreement preparation and project management. Our team combines expertise in European funding, transport infrastructure and transport decarbonisation projects.

Although the final work programme is subject to confirmation, the call is expected to prioritise projects that accelerate the completion of the TEN-T network, support rail infrastructure, deploy alternative fuels infrastructure, improve port and airport sustainability, strengthen military mobility and contribute to transport decarbonisation.