Commission gets go-ahead for €6.7 billion investment in transport projects

The EU Member States today formally approved the list of 195 transport projects that will receive €6.7 billion of EU funding under the 2015 calls for proposals of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). This list had been put forward by the Commission on 17 June (see Press release, MEMO and press conference). Along with the Commission’s Investment Plan, the CEF is instrumental in bridging the investment gap in Europe and stimulating the EU economy. The investment confirmed today by the Member States will unlock additional public and private co-financing for a combined amount of €9.6 billion, and is expected to create up to 100,000 jobs by 2030. Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “I am glad we have the support of the Member States for our multi-billion investment in 195 priority transport projects. The bulk of this funding has been allocated to central and eastern Europe, which will help bridge the deployment gap between EU regions. In doing so, the Connecting Europe Facility contributes to better, greener and safer transport all across Europe.” Individual project grant agreements will now be prepared by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and signed with the project beneficiaries by the end of the year.