Funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) scheme

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) serves as the central EU instrument providing grants for cross-border infrastructure projects in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy, mobility, digitalization, and smart cities. The focus is on investments for the construction, modernization, and interconnection of energy and transport networks as well as digital infrastructure systems. Eligible applicants include companies of all sizes and public entities aiming to implement ambitious projects at the EU level. Tailored financial support is provided for initiatives that generate significant added value for sustainable development and competitiveness within the European Union. The funding areas encompass energy efficiency & climate protection, smart cities & regions, digitalization, mobility, as well as traditional infrastructure and urban development projects, thus forming a broad platform for forward-looking investment initiatives.

With the objective of combining growth, climate protection, and social cohesion, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) implements the funding directive and supports applicants throughout the entire process. The initiative promotes not only the expansion of high-performance networks but also innovations in smart city concepts and sustainable mobility solutions. Projects contribute to closing cross-border gaps, reducing emissions, and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the European economy. By aligning with the European Green Deal and the provisions of the LIFE Regulation, synergies with other EU programs such as Horizon Europe and the LIFE program are leveraged. Interested applicants can access detailed information on the funding framework and legal bases (EU Regulations 2021/1153 and 2024/1679) in the official documents, thereby setting the course for a successful application.