EU Rail Funding: CEF Boosts TEN-T, High-Speed & Infrastructure

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Introduction

Ten European rail sector associations are urging the EU and its Member States to ensure robust funding for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), following the European Commission’s proposal on 16 July 2025 for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034.

Context of the Appeal

The appeal comes after the European Commission’s proposal, published on 16 July 2025, for the continuation of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as part of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. This proposal, supported by Commissioner for Transport and Sustainable Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, aims to continue CEF support for the deployment of a resilient and interoperable Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

Financial Implications of the CEF Proposal

Under the Commission’s plan, the total CEF Transport budget would rise to EUR 45.7 billion, including EUR 15.7 billion for military mobility. Excluding the military mobility allocation, CEF Transport would receive EUR 30 billion, approximately EUR 1 billion less than the current seven-year period. The signatory associations, including AERRL, ALLRAIL, CER, CT4EU, EIM, ERFA, UIP, UITP, UIRR and UNIFE, are emphasizing the need for an ambitious CEF to address both civil and defense-related mobility priorities.

Role of Rail in European Transport

The joint statement underscores that rail transport infrastructure and operations are crucial for European civil and military connectivity, supporting both the Single Market and EU security. Rail links regions and cities, enabling efficient movement of people and goods, and providing essential logistical capacity for military personnel and equipment transport across the continent. The associations highlight the importance of the TEN-T Regulation for the EU’s security and competitiveness.

Key Priorities and Recommendations

The associations emphasize the need to address bottlenecks within the TEN-T core and comprehensive networks, particularly at cross-border connections, urban nodes, and multimodal hubs. The future CEF will continue to finance infrastructure projects with an international dimension, including dual-use projects. They also advocate for sufficient funding to accelerate the deployment of interoperable systems, such as ERTMS, and the expansion of high-speed and ancillary rail networks.

Conclusion

The rail sector associations are urging Member States and the European Parliament to strongly support the CEF Transport program, ensuring its ambition and increasing its financial capacity to complete the TEN-T network.

Company Summary

AERRL: A company.

ALLRAIL: A company.

CER: A company.

CT4EU: A company.

EIM: A company.

ERFA: A company.

UIP: A company.

UITP: A company.

UIRR: A company.

UNIFE: A company.

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