The European Union is channeling a significant 425 Million Euros To Dollars equivalent to bolster its transport network, emphasizing environmental sustainability and infrastructure adaptability for both civilian and defense purposes. This substantial investment, approximately $470 million USD, will fuel 37 key projects selected under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program. The CEF is the EU’s financial instrument dedicated to strategic investments in transport infrastructure across member states.
This funding initiative underscores the EU’s unwavering commitment to its climate objectives, as outlined in the ambitious European Green Deal. Furthermore, it addresses the critical need to adapt transport infrastructure for dual civilian-defense use, enhancing security and efficiency across the continent.
EU Commissioner for Transport, Adina-Ioana Vălean, highlighted the strategic importance of this investment:
“Europe’s Transport infrastructure is critical for our security. This is why we are taking concrete measures to support investments that make it fit not only for civilian use but also for our defense. We are funding projects worth 425 million that will facilitate the movement of military troops and assets, leading to a more efficient deployment of our missions on the ground. In addition, we also decided to advance the 2nd Military Mobility call originally planned for later this year.”
Dirk Beckers, Director of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The EU is committed to the decarbonisation of the transport sector and shows it is sensitive and reactive to the ongoing geopolitical crisis. These new CEF co-funded projects signal the EU’s continued determination to deliver a better transport infrastructure for all Europeans.”
The funding is divided into two primary areas: Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) and Military Mobility.
Investing in Greener Transportation: Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF)
Under the first cut-off date of the AFIF call for proposals, 15 projects have been selected to receive a total of EUR 86 million in EU support. These initiatives are geared towards expanding the infrastructure for alternative fuels across Europe’s TEN-T road network. Projects include:
- Electric Recharging Stations: Installation of numerous electric vehicle charging points along major European roadways to facilitate the growing adoption of electric cars and trucks.
- Hydrogen Refueling Stations: Deployment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support the uptake of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including cars, trucks, and buses.
- Airport Electrification: Electrification of ground handling services at airports, reducing reliance on fossil fuels in aviation operations.
The AFIF call remains open, with subsequent cut-off dates extending until September 19, 2023, demonstrating the EU’s long-term commitment to fostering a sustainable transport sector.
Enhancing Dual-Use Infrastructure: Military Mobility
The Military Mobility call will support 22 projects with a substantial €339 million investment. This funding is dedicated to ensuring that transport infrastructure is upgraded to meet both civilian and military needs, improving mobility and interoperability across the EU. Key project examples include:
- Railway Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernizing railway lines to accommodate larger and heavier trains, crucial for efficient transportation of goods and military equipment.
- Port and Airport Capacity Expansion: Increasing the capacity of ports and airports to handle larger volumes of traffic and accommodate military deployments if necessary.
- Road Bridge Reinforcement: Strengthening road bridges to support the transit of heavy military vehicles and equipment, ensuring infrastructure resilience.
The next Military Mobility call is scheduled to launch in May 2022, indicating continued investment in this critical area.
Background on CEF Transport Funding
The EU’s financial contribution is provided through grants, with varying co-financing rates depending on the project location and eligibility for Cohesion Fund support. The CEF Transport program has a substantial budget of €25.8 billion available in grants from the EU’s 2021-2027 budget to co-fund TEN-T projects across EU Member States. Since 2014, CEF has supported over 1,000 transport projects, totaling more than €23 billion in investment.
Next Steps for Funded Projects
Following the EU Member States’ approval of the selected projects on April 7th, the European Commission is set to formally adopt financing decisions in the coming weeks. CINEA is currently preparing grant agreements with the project beneficiaries to initiate the disbursement of funds and project implementation.
This significant 425 million euros to dollars investment highlights the EU’s proactive approach to building a future-proof transport network that is both environmentally responsible and strategically robust, serving the needs of both its citizens and its security.
