Transport sector coalition calls for more EU budget for transport, the best investment plan for Europe

Today, a coalition of more than 40 associations representing all modes of transport are launching a campaign calling for the EU to invest more of its budget in transport. For rail freight, a renewed and expanded Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) will be of crucial importance to enable an increase of rail freight volumes by 50% by 2030 and doubled volumes by 2050, two goals set out in the EU’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.

As stakeholders and policymakers gather in Brussels to exchange and debate at the Connecting Europe Days (02-04 April), European transport organisations representing the whole spectrum of modes and transport actors have joined forces to call for more EU budget for transport, the best investment plan for Europe. A robust instrument like the CEF is much needed for Europe, as to be able to deliver on its ambitions.

The transport sector is of strategic importance in responding to Europe’s environmental, geostrategic, and capacity challenges. Only with a strong transport at its core will Europe be able to reach its climate and resilience goals and safeguard its supply chain sovereignty.

For rail freight more specifically, a renewed and expanded CEF will play a key role in helping to complete the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), solve bottlenecks on the European Transport Corridors, and expand key infrastructure parameters for freight trains (740-m trains, 22,5t axle load) as recently agreed in the European Parliament.

The CEF, managed directly by the Commission and with a budget in the form of grants, has proven its ability to select useful projects, attract further funding from Member States, and disburse all its dedicated envelope in an efficient manner. Maintaining this instrument with an extended budget should be a priority of decision-makers in the next EU financial negotiations.

ERFA Secretary General, Conor Feighan, said, “CEF is of crucial importance to facilitate cross-border traffic, a key point for rail freight as more than half of the trains cross at least one internal EU border. Extending CEF budget for key priorities such as ERTMS on-board deployment, whilst ensuring funding is available to small and medium railway undertakings, is fundamental for enabling modal shift”.

Access the campaign leaflet here.

The campaign leaflet will be officially handed over to Magda Kopczynska, Director General of DG MOVE during the Connecting Europe Days, on 4th April at 17:30 (venue: Gold Hall).

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