IRU welcomes the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) and Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) committees’ proposal to increase the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) budget to EUR 91.3 billion for 2028–2034. This is nearly EUR 10 billion above the European Commission’s initial proposal and brings the budget closer to the EUR 100 billion ambition put forward by 45 European transport organisations.
At EUR 91.3 billion, the proposed CEF budget would be almost three times the EUR 33.7 billion allocated to the current programme for 2021–2027. CEF is the EU’s main funding instrument for developing and modernising trans-European transport and energy networks. It supports cross-border connectivity, decarbonisation and military mobility.
IRU General Delegate to the EU Raluca Marian said, “The ambition to significantly strengthen the Connecting Europe Facility is a strong and welcome political signal. Investment in transport, energy and military mobility is essential for the EU’s competitiveness, security and decarbonisation.”
“Crucially, military mobility investments in roads, bridges and safe and secure parking can also deliver significant benefits for civilian transport,” she added.
The committees propose allocating approximately EUR 38 billion to transport, EUR 33.5 billion to energy and EUR 19.8 billion to military mobility.
The proposal also brings the budget closer to the EUR 100 billion sought by 45 European transport organisations, including IRU, in a joint letter in February 2026. The letter called for stronger EU investment in transport connectivity, decarbonisation, resilience and military mobility.
Road transport benefits across all three funding pillars
Alternative fuels infrastructure, safe and secure parking, intelligent transport systems and multimodal connectivity are recognised among the priorities eligible for CEF support.
Energy investment is equally important. Stronger electricity networks, adequate grid capacity and hydrogen infrastructure are essential to decarbonising commercial road transport.
The substantial allocation for military mobility also creates opportunities to strengthen civilian transport infrastructure. Upgrading bridges, improving strategic road connections, removing bottlenecks and developing dual-use facilities can reinforce Europe’s resilience and economic competitiveness.
The three funding pillars must work together to ensure road transport can benefit from the investment opportunities they offer.
Turning ambition into action
With the Council having adopted its partial general approach on the regulatory provisions, budgetary matters remain part of the wider negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Attention now turns to securing sufficient funding for the future programme.
The funding ambition demonstrated by the European Parliament’s competent committees should be maintained throughout the negotiations and reflected in the final EU budget for 2028–2034.
“It is paramount that, when the programme is implemented, road transport receives a substantial share of available funding, reflecting the sector’s considerable investment needs in decarbonisation, digitalisation and skills,” said Raluca Marian. “Europe needs a Connecting Europe Facility that can deliver stronger connectivity, competitiveness, resilience and security.”