Joint call to safeguard EU transport investment in the next MFF (2028-2034) amidst negotiations

26 October 2026

INE joined over 40 EU transport sector organisations in a call for EU Heads of Government to restore and strengthen transport funding in the EU’s next MFF (2028-2034). The Irish Presidency’s latest proposal would reduce funding for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) transport programme by 11%, despite the vital role transport infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth, jobs, competitiveness, energy security, and military mobility across Europe.

Transport networks are the backbone of the EU economy, with millions of jobs and businesses depending on efficient connections by rail, road, sea, air and inland waterways. Cutting investment risks delaying the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) which threatens the Europe’s objectives in connectivity, resilience and decarbonisation.

The letter urges Member States to restore the CEF transport budget to (at a minimum) the level originally proposed by the Commission, guarantee dedicated transport funding within the National and Regional Partnership Plans, and ensure that the European Competitiveness Fund explicitly includes transport projects to complement dedicated infrastructure funding.

The open letter, with the full list of signatories, can be found HERE.