Entitled “a modern budget for a Union that protects, empowers and defends”, the Commission today adopted the proposal for the EU budget 2021-2027.
Connecting Europe Facility (C.E.F - Connecting Europe Facility)
The proposal for the Connecting Europe Facility foresees a total budget of €42,3 billion, of which €30,6 billion is earmarked for transport. Grants will remain the preferred instrument to address the gaps affecting infrastructure projects. The transport envelope is broken down as follows:
- General envelope – 12,8 billion euros
- Contribution from the Cohesion Fund – 11,3 billion euros
- Support for military mobility – €6,5 billion
In comparison, the total budget available for grants in the period 2014-2020 is €23,4 billion (including the Cohesion Fund).
The Commission also published an indicative timetable for the adoption of the proposals for the multiannual financial framework, according to which the proposal for the Facility C.E.F will be delayed until June 9. The ESPO Conference, taking place on May 29 and June 1, will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the upcoming proposal with DG-MOVE and promote a strong role for European ports.
As the road transport sector becomes increasingly active in securing funding from the C.E.F for reducing emissions and intelligent transport systems, it will be even more important to ensure a sufficient share of the budget for the port sector.
Generally:
Overall, the Commission is proposing a long-term budget of €1,135 billion for the period from 2021 to 2027, corresponding to 1,11% of the EU27's gross national income.
The Commission is introducing a “basket” of new own resources, in order to compensate for part of the missing British contributions and cover the new priorities.
Budgets for research and innovation, youth and the digital economy will increase in key areas. Spending on external border management, migration and asylum will increase significantly, as will investment in the Defence Fund and security, including facilitating military mobility with €6,5 billion through the Connecting Europe Facility. Modest cuts are proposed for agriculture and cohesion policy.
All documents and relevant information regarding the C.E.F are available at the following link: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-3570_en.htm.
