CEF Transport is the EU’s funding instrument (part of CEF) for projects that improve the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The core transport network is of crucial importance to the European economy. Without good connections, there can be no growth; and without growth, there can be no prosperity. For the period 2021–2027, approximately € 25.81 billion has been earmarked for transport projects. Within CEF Transport, there are various calls for proposals for different types of projects: regular CEF Transport calls, CEF AFIF for zero-emission alternative fuels, and CEF Transport Military Mobility for projects that improve infrastructure for both civilian and military use (to enable military equipment and troops to be moved more quickly and efficiently) within the EU. In 2026, a ‘Reflow Call’ is expected to open with a budget of € 1.1 billion. The CEF Transport Reflow Call opens on 18 June and closes on 6 October 2026.

CEF Transport Reflow Call in 2026

The EC is opening a ‘Reflow Call’ within the CEF Transport programme in 2026. Unused CEF Transport budgets from previous rounds will thereby be redistributed. No less than € 1.1 billion is available for the Reflow Call. It is expected to open on 18 June and close on 6 October 2026.

What is eligible for this CEF Transport Reflow Call?

The CEF Transport Reflow Call covers eight priorities, focusing on both the preparation (studies) and implementation (works) of projects:

• Rail – high-speed lines, cross-border connections, missing links, and multimodal hubs with maritime and inland waterway transport.
• Waterways – infrastructure such as dams, weirs, bridges, and locks.
• Military mobility – dual-use projects involving multiple Member States will be given priority.
• Road transport – charging infrastructure and energy storage for the decarbonisation of freight transport.
• Aviation – electrification of ground operations at airports.
• Seaports, inland ports, and vessels – shore-side electricity supply and adaptation of vessels for clean fuels, including electric.
• Autonomous driving – control centres for real-world testing and roadside equipment for automated data exchange.
• EU external borders – improvement of existing border crossings.

Of the total budget, €260 million is reserved for cohesion countries and €130 million for military mobility. The maximum grant per project ranges from €10 million to €100 million, depending on the priority and the number of Member States involved.

Timeline of the CEF Transport Reflow Call 2026

• 18 June 2026 – expected opening of the call
• Early July 2026 – online info day organised by CINEA
• 15 July 2026 – deadline for submitting a project idea form to RVO
• 6 October 2026 – closing date of the call
• End of 2029 – deadline for preparatory projects
• End of 2030 – deadline for implementation projects

Please note: this announcement is based on preliminary information. The definitive priorities and conditions will be set out in the official call text.

Regular CEF Transport calls

Projects are eligible for the regular CEF Transport calls if they contribute to making the TEN-T more sustainable, smarter and more resilient. In particular, the objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is central. Examples of such projects include…

• stimulate the interoperability of the railway network;
• work towards long-term solutions for sustainable and efficient transport systems;
• decarbonise all transport modes;
• stimulate innovation in transport;
• streamline the cross-border network.

CEF Transport Military Mobility

CEF Transport Military Mobility is an instrument within CEF Transport aimed at improving the TEN-T for both civilian and military use within the EU. The programme supports projects that contribute to the rapid and efficient movement of military equipment and troops, for example by strengthening bridges, roads, railways and logistics hubs. At the same time, it promotes the dual-use of infrastructure, meaning that investments also yield benefits for regular transport and economic development. Military Mobility thus plays a key role in strengthening European defence cooperation and readiness. Based on the work programme and information from sources, our specialists expect the CEF Transport Military Mobility 2026 call for proposals to be published shortly.

Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (CEF AFIF)

Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), formerly known as CEF Transport Blending Facility, is an instrument intended for projects that are ready for market but still need funding. The focus within this instrument is on the rapid deployment of zero emission alternative fuels. This instrument covers both the TEN-T Core Network and the Comprehensive Network.

Eligible projects within CEF AFIF

The following projects are supported:

• the rollout of fast chargers for electricity;
• the roll-out of hydrogen filling infrastructure on the TEN-T road network, preferably for heavy long-distance transport;
• the rollout of hydrogen and electricity charging points for public transport and heavy transport in urban nodes;
• the rollout of shore power in seaports, inland ports and airports;
• the realization of megawatt charging stations for heavy vehicles;
• the realization of electricity and hydrogen facilities at airports;
• the realization of electricity facilities and ammonia/methanol bunkering facilities in ports;
• and finally, promoting actions that support LNG bunkering for TEN-T seaports and inland ports.

Policy themes CEF Transport

The following policy themes are defined in the new multiannual work programme:

• Core theme: Smart and Green;
• Smooth and safe European freight and passenger transport;
• Better cross-border (rail) connections;
• Hard infrastructure and data systems;
• Sustainable mobility;
• Alternative fuels.

Total budget

As indicated, the budget (2021-2027) is more than € 25 billion. This is distributed as follows:

• € 12.83 billion for the general envelope;
• € 11.29 billion for the cohesion envelope (not applicable to the Netherlands);
• € 1.69 billion for military mobility.

Support in applying for CEF Transport?

Is your organisation planning to submit a proposal for CEF Transport? Or would you like to know more about the funding possibilities of CEF Transport for your project? Our experienced CEF specialists have an excellent track record and would be happy to help you submit a successful application. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our CEF-specialists! Get in touch via 088 495 20 00 or info@hezelburcht.com.