Financing
MFF and CEF
Facts & context
Sub-topic
The EU budget is crucial to translate EU Members States’ political priorities into concrete programmes and activities. The European Union forecasts its budget for periods of seven years under the so-called ‘Multiannual Financial Framework’ (MFF).
Since the Covid-19 crisis, the MFF and its related financial instruments are complemented by a Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on national economies.
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is part of the MFF and the main funding instrument for rail infrastructure projects in Europe. It provides the financial support for the completion of the TEN-T Network. An agreement on the CEF for 2021-2027 (CEF 2.0) was reached in March 2021.
In 2024, the EC launched a major MFF reform based on the RRF model, introducing “national envelopes” funded by an EU contribution and linked to national reforms. The proposal will be published in June/July 2025, followed by a two-year negotiation with Member States and the EP. The new MFF takes effect in 2027, with the first call for proposals expected to be launched in Q3 2028.
In 2024, the EC published the last calls related to the CEF general envelope as the budget had been consumed.
EIM continued to inform its members about CEF funding opportunities, including results from calls under the general envelope and the military mobility budget.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM closely monitored and analysed all call for proposals related to CEF.
- EIM analysed the upcoming reform of the MFF and of CEF.
- EIM intensified its dialogue with the EU Institutions to promote a robust “investment plan” for rail infrastructure investments.
- EIM promoted joint positions and approaches of the rail sector to underline the importance of an ambitious CEF and a centralised EU funding approach.
- EIM held bilateral talks with the EC, CINEA and the EIB on the need for reforms related to rail funding (flexibility, conditions, deadlines, etc.).
- EIM supported the transport sector campaign “More EU budget for transport!” during the Connecting Europe Days in April 2024.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to monitor the results of the CEF calls and the evolution of the relevant budgets.
- EIM will closely follow the mid-term review of the MFF and CEF, providing input where relevant to ensure sufficient funding for rail infrastructure.
- EIM will engage with EU institutions on the upcoming MFF reform, advocating a strong and stable financial framework for rail investments.
- EIM will continue its dialogue with CINEA, DG MOVE and the EIB.
Council Regulation (EU) 2020/2093 on the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027
Regulation (EU) 2021/1153
Connecting Europe Facility 2.0