Europe’s transport sector is urging EU Heads of State and Government to safeguard investment in transport as the Irish Presidency presents its latest negotiating position for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Political compromises must not come at the expense of transport investment, particularly as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) could face deeper cuts than the overall EU budget.
Investment in transport and completion of the TEN-T network are essential to Europe’s competitiveness and resilience. Ahead of the European Council meeting on 15–16 October, European associations representing all transport modes have called on Member States to keep this priority in mind as MFF negotiations continue.
The Irish Presidency’s revised proposal represents an 8% reduction compared with the Commission’s initial proposal. Transport would be hit harder, with the CEF transport envelope cut by 11%, from €45.8 billion to €40.6 billion (2025 prices). Under this proposal, only 2.5% of the overall EU budget would be allocated to transport.
Thus, the transport sector is calling on the European Council to restore the CEF transport envelope to at least the Commission’s proposed level, ring-fence a minimum share for transport in future National and Regional Partnership Plans, and ensure the European Competitiveness Fund can also support transport alongside dedicated infrastructure funding.
For ETA members, a strong CEF is a crucial tool for financing better port infrastructure and the deployment of green and alternative fuels that should enable the green transition of the towage sector.
Find the joint letter here.
Find the Open Letter sent on 19 February 2026 here.
