Transport infrastructure: Commission receives funding applications worth €13bn and invites project promoters to make use of Investment Plan

The European Commission and the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) have closed the second call for proposals of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), worth more than €7.6 billion to finance key transport projects in the European Union. 427 project proposals were received, totalling €12.96 billion of requested EU funding. An optimal use of CEF funding is an integral part of the Commission’s Investment Plan and delivers on President Jean-Claude Juncker’s agenda of growth and job creation. The applications having the highest European added value will be shortlisted. EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said, “I am glad that so many project promoters are eager to invest in efficient, intelligent and sustainable transportation. The Connecting Europe Facility may be the largest funding instrument ever dedicated to transport by the EU, it nevertheless cannot match this enthusiasm. I therefore encourage all applicants and other project promoters to also publish their project on the European Investment Project Portal to reach potential investors worldwide”. The outcome of the calls will be published by summer 2016. More information is available here.