The European Commission is providing EUR 242.2 million to 68 transport project proposals for studies that will lead to future infrastructure improvements.
Over half the supported projects contribute to creating a stronger European railway network by boosting cross-border links and reinforcing essential sections. 37 rail projects will benefit EUR 181.4 million funding to help the realisation of rail infrastructure. The projects are located on the TEN-T core network. These include improving the connection to the Fehmarn Belt project, which links Germany and Denmark via a new underwater tunnel as well as implementing high speed rail connections, for instance between Budapest and Vienna.
With 2021 being designated as the European Year of Rail, the success of projects in this sector is of particular significance. Inland waterway transport and maritime ports are also boosted via infrastructure improvements to answer future capacity challenges as well as the installation of on-shore power supply for ports to cut emissions from docked ships.
31 projects will support the water transport. 14 projects benefiting EUR 17.5 million will be provided for inland waterways and 17 projects will receive EUR 43.5 million to support the maritime ports’ programmes. A number of projects involve laying the groundwork for ports to accommodate alternative fuel infrastructure so that moored ships and port support vehicles can reduce their emissions.
Through this financing, the EU continues to focus its attention on projects that will help it deliver on its climate objectives as laid out in the European Green Deal.
“The studies that we are supporting today via the Connecting Europe Facility contribute to the same aim. They are a starting point for many projects that will help accelerate the transition to a smart and sustainable transport network. Looking ahead, we are going to release new funds worth EUR 30 billion for transport, digital and energy projects for 2021-2027, via the Connecting Europe Facility programme for 2021-2027, bringing us closer to achieving our European Green Deal goals,” EU Commissioner for Transport Adina-Ioana Vălean said.
The projects were selected for funding following the launch of a competitive call for proposals in late 2020 in all EU Member States. The EU’s financial contribution comes in the form of grants, with different co-financing rates depending on whether the project is located in a country eligible for Cohesion Fund support or not.
These projects will, once finalised, help build missing transport links across the continent, support sustainable transport and create jobs. The transport project proposals will receive funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
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