EU Funding opportunities for transport & infrastructure in 2026
The transport and infrastructure sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The shift towards zero-emission mobility, renewable energy integration, and digitalised logistics is reshaping how companies invest and operate. For both private investors and public infrastructure managers, the European Union and national governments have already offered substantial financial support within the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021–2027. This will introduce fresh priorities for the upcoming years.
Are you curious to know what this means for your organisation? Our specialists listed the most important EU funding opportunities for transport & infrastructure projects in 2026:
CEF Transport
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport remains the EU’s flagship for trans-European transport corridors within the 2021–2027 budget cycle. For the period of 2021-2027, a budget of € 25,81 billion will be available, divided between multiple calls.
CEF AFIF: Oversubscribed and highly selective
Within the CEF programme, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) supports investments in charging, hydrogen refuelling, and on-shore power supply (OPS).
At the June 2025 cut-off, CINEA received 95 project proposals requesting over € 1 billion in funding, already exceeding the total remaining AFIF budget. The final cut-off on 4 March 2026 will therefore be exceptionally competitive, and only the most advanced and bankable projects will be funded.
AFIF focuses on:
- Projects located on or directly connected to the TEN-T network;
- Demonstrated operational maturity (permits, grid connection, and site control secured);
- Confirmed co-financing or bank loan commitment (for Blending track);
- Compliance with interoperability standards (MCS, ISO/IEC, OCPI).
Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund (IF) has become the most attractive EU instrument for investors in transport, maritime, energy, and cross-sector infrastructure during the current 2021–2027 budget period. It rewards high-impact, scalable innovation and not just readiness.
In 2025, the Fund awarded € 2.9 billion to 61 projects across Europe, including several in the transport and energy infrastructure sectors. The next round, expected in December 2025, will maintain or expand this budget.
Project categories that can benefit:
- Greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in sectors such as energy-intensive industry, sustainable energy production and/or storage, aviation, maritime, road transport, or built environment;
- Pilot projects with highly innovative low-carbon technologies that are almost commercially ready;
- Clean tech manufacturing;
- Production or recycling of battery cells for electric vehicles or crucial components.
Funding intensity: up to 60% of eligible costs (CAPEX + OPEX) for innovative infrastructure with measurable greenhouse gas reduction.
Complementary opportunities
While the Innovation Fund and CEF Transport/AFIF dominate the EU landscape for the 2021–2027 period, there are additional programmes available for your project:
CEF Energy
The CEF Energy programme stimulated projects focused on a stronger and more sustainable Europe by strengthening its energy sector. Ambitious companies, researchers and governments may receive funding for investments in upgrading existing and developing new infrastructures for a powerful energy network.
Between 2021 and 2027, there will be a budget of € 5.83 billion available for CEF Energy projects. This budget will be divided between multiple calls spread over these years.
Horizon Europe: Climate, Energy and Mobility
The Horizon Europe climate, energy and mobility (cluster 5) programme stimulates research and development (R&D) projects within Europe. Ambitious researchers, companies and governments can get funding for innovative projects, focused on speeding up the green and digital transition to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
Currently, there are multiple calls available within the Horizon Europe cluster 5 programme:
- Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply (HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3)
- Efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy use (HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4)
Applications can be submitted until 17 February 2026.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is designed to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union. This is achieved by correcting imbalances between regions, enabling investments in a smarter, greener, more connected and more social Europe that is closer to its citizens.
Curious about your EU funding opportunities?
As you can see, there will still be several EU funding opportunities available for your project in 2026. Curious to know which programmes you might qualify for? Get in touch with one of our specialists to discuss your options. You can contact us via info@hezelburcht.com or call us on 088 495 20 00 to schedule a meeting.
