The European Commission is preparing a new funding call under the CEF Transport programme. This so-called ‘Reflow call’ supports a broad range of themes and projects and has a budget of approximately € 1.1 billion. The call is expected to open on 18 June and closes on 6 October 2026. This is the final call within the current European budget period, so do not miss out on this opportunity.

What is eligible under this CEF Transport Reflow call?

This CEF Transport Reflow call covers eight priorities, with a focus on both 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.

What is a Reflow call?

A ‘Reflow call’ is a specific funding round that redistributes unused or released grant budgets. This typically occurs when earlier projects cost less than budgeted, or when they are cancelled ahead of schedule.

Please note: blending and Natura 2000

For projects combining bank financing with grant funding (blending), a bank declaration is required. Bear in mind that a due diligence assessment by a bank generally takes considerable time. In addition, declarations from the competent authority regarding the environmental impact on Natura 2000 areas and water bodies must be requested in good time.

Approval from national ministries required

Projects may only apply for funding if national ministries (National Contact Points) endorse the project.

Timeline of this CEF Transport Reflow call

• 18 June 2026 – expected opening of the call
• Early July 2026 – online info day organised by CINEA
• 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 article is based on preliminary information. The final priorities and conditions will be set out in the official call text.

Hezelburcht: experienced consultant in CEF Transport

Would you like to find out whether your project has a strong chance of success, or do you need assistance with your application? Please get in touch with our advisers. Hezelburcht has extensive experience in CEF Transport applications and is happy to guide you through the entire application process. Get in touch via info@hezelburcht.com, call 088 495 20 00 or complete the contact form to schedule an introduction:

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