IRU regrets the Irish Presidency’s intention to cut transport funding under the Connecting Europe Facility. Europe’s competitiveness, climate and security ambitions depend on stronger infrastructure investment.
The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union has circulated a draft compromise on the EU’s next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028 to 2034.
It cuts the European Commission’s proposed total by 8%. According to information available to IRU, it also reduces the transport envelope of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which finances major transport links across Europe, by around EUR 5 billion.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “We regret this intention. It comes at a time when Europe needs sustained investment in cross-border corridors, infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles, safe and secure parking, and digital and smart infrastructure that national budgets alone cannot deliver.”
“As European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas stressed at Connecting Europe Days, EU investment is essential to deliver Europe’s future transport infrastructure. The road transport sector stands ready to deliver, but it needs the funding. We call on Member States to reconsider,” she added.
Demand for CEF funding already exceeds what is available, and a smaller envelope would widen that gap. IRU reiterates the call made in its joint open letter, in which IRU and 45 European transport organisations asked in February for at least EUR 100 billion for the next CEF.
IRU will continue working with EU institutions and Member States as negotiations progress to ensure that transport priorities are fully reflected in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.