🔎 What is CEF, why was it created and who initiated it
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a key financial mechanism of the European Union, launched in 2014 to support investments in critically important infrastructure projects of European significance. CEF was initiated by the European Commission to support infrastructure in three main sectors: transport, energy and digital networks, in particular to implement trans-European networks (TEN-T, TEN-E), which contribute to the integrated functioning of the single internal market.
CEF provides grants, funding through procurement and other forms of support, and also mobilises private investment to achieve its objectives.
🎯 Objectives of the CEF programme
CEF has the following main objectives:
- supporting the development and modernisation of trans-European transport networks (TEN-T) to improve efficiency and mobility integration in the EU;
- promoting an integrated energy network (TEN-E), including the development of cross-border interconnections, increasing security of supply and supporting the transition to renewable sources;
- supporting digital infrastructure that ensures high-speed connectivity, expands digital opportunities and enables integrated digital services;
- strengthening economic competitiveness, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable growth through infrastructure development with European added value.
CEF also promotes synergies between sectors and can support projects that simultaneously have an impact in several areas (transport, energy, digital).
📅 CEF programme periods
The programme has developed within two main financial periods:
CEF 2014–2020 (CEF)
The initial stage of the programme implementation, when the grant funding structure for infrastructure projects in three sectors was established and the first calls for projects of common European interest were launched.
CEF 2021–2027 (CEF 2)
The current stage of the programme, implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/1153. It has a strengthened focus on sustainable development, decarbonisation, digitalisation and military mobility, as well as on projects addressing “missing links” — critical gaps in networks that limit full infrastructure integration.
💶 CEF programme budget
Period 2014–2020 (CEF)
CEF provided a significant share of funding for projects in transport, energy and the digital sector, engaging a large number of initiatives with European added value. Between 2014 and 2020, the CEF Coordination Committee allocated approximately €23.2 billion in grants for co-financing implementation, covering around 900 infrastructure projects.
Period 2021–2027 (CEF 2.0)
For the current period, the total budget is approximately €33.7 billion.
From this amount:
- transport — ~€25.8 billion;
- energy — ~€5.8 billion;
- digital infrastructure — ~€2.1 billion.
All these funds are aimed at implementing key infrastructure development projects within the EU.
⚙️ How the CEF programme works
CEF operates through open calls for grants, direct grants and procurement opportunities announced by the European Commission or the relevant executive agencies.
Funding can be provided to public and private organisations, consortia or public authorities that submit joint project proposals with European added value.
CEF also encourages private investment alongside grant support to increase the effectiveness of financing.
📌 Main areas of funding
🚆 CEF Transport
Supports the development and modernisation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), including bridges, tunnels, high-speed lines, ports, airports and other facilities that connect EU regions. Special attention is paid to international transport corridors, the removal of bottlenecks, sustainable transport and adaptation to military-civilian needs.
⚡ CEF Energy
Supports investments in trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E), including cross-border interconnections, integrated markets and renewable energy and decarbonisation projects that strengthen energy security and the integration of the energy market.
🌐 CEF Digital
Focuses on digital infrastructure of pan-European interest, supports the deployment of high-speed networks (including 5G), increasing the capacity of the EU’s digital “backbone” and improving connectivity between countries.
👥 Participants and participation conditions
The following may participate in CEF funding:
- national and local public authorities;
- private legal entities;
- consortia of several organisations from different countries;
- international organisations, if provided for by the rules of a specific call.
Participation conditions depend on the sector, project type and funding volume, and include requirements related to project maturity, technical capacity, economic justification and impact on cross-border integration.