Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Open
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is an EU program designed to fund projects in the transport, energy, and digital sectors. It aims to build, expand, modernize, and complete trans-European networks to strengthen European connectivity and competitiveness. The program supports cross-border projects, promotes decarbonization, and enables synergies between sectors.
Who is funded: Target groups and geographical scope of the CEF
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) supports a wide range of actors carrying out projects of common European interest in the transport, energy, and digital sectors. Funding is primarily aimed at entities from EU Member States but can, under certain conditions, also include partners from third countries. The program aims to build, expand, modernize, and complete trans-European networks and facilitate cross-border cooperation in renewable energies.
What is funded: Projects, sectors, and costs under the CEF
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) supports a variety of actions in key transport, energy, and digital sectors, aimed at strengthening and modernizing European networks. Both studies and physical works contributing to the achievement of the program's objectives are eligible. The program places a strong focus on decarbonization and promoting cross-border cooperation and innovative solutions.
Type and extent of funding: Financial support through the CEF
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) primarily offers financial support in the form of grants. The financial framework for the period 2021-2027 totals EUR 33.71 billion, divided among the transport, energy, and digital sectors. Co-financing rates vary depending on the sector, type of action, and specific project characteristics, but can reach up to 100% of eligible costs in exceptional cases.
Conditions and Requirements: CEF Funding Guidelines and Criteria
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is subject to clear conditions and requirements, detailed in work programs and calls for proposals. These concern both the application process and project implementation, ensuring that funded actions contribute to European added value and align with EU objectives.
Application procedure: Step-by-step to CEF funding
The application procedure for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is based on multi-annual and annual work programs adopted by the European Commission. Interested parties submit their proposals within the framework of published calls, which also define the specific award criteria. The selection process can be organized in two phases to ensure efficient evaluation.
Legal basis: The foundations of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is firmly anchored in European Union legislation. It was established by a specific regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, which details its objectives, financing, and implementing provisions. This regulation serves as the primary legal basis and is supplemented by other relevant EU regulations and directives that define the specific requirements and operational framework for the funded projects.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
up to 100% of eligible costs
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
European Union (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Finland, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain)
Sectors:
Transportation and Logistics, Energy Production and Supply, Information and Communication Technology, Renewable Energy
Funding Stages:
Feasibility Study, Planning, Implementation, Infrastructure
Funding Provider
Program Level: European Union
Funding Body: European Commission, European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)
Managed By: European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)
Website: Exekutivagentur CINEA