FEPORT has submitted its response to the European Commission’s interim evaluation of the Connecting Europe Facility – Transport (CEF-T) 2021–2027, sharing insights and recommendations to enhance the programme’s effectiveness, accessibility, and strategic impact.
FEPORT’s contribution reflects its commitment to a more inclusive, efficient, and strategically aligned CEF-T. As the EU prepares for the next phase of transport investment through the MFF negotiations, FEPORT urges policymakers to ensure that the programme remains accessible, balanced, and capable of delivering on Europe’s connectivity and climate goals.
Key Messages in FEPORT’s Contribution:
- Support for Broader Eligibility and Balanced Focus: FEPORT emphasised the need for CEF-T to better support superstructure investments – such as cargo handling equipment – which are essential to port operations but currently receive limited funding. The green transition adds cost pressures, and these investments must be eligible to ensure the completion of the TEN-T network.
- Call for Stronger Pre-Application Support: FEPORT highlighted the high technical complexity and cost of preparing applications, often requiring external consultants. It called for clearer guidelines, more robust pre-application support, and validation of project assumptions to reduce barriers for applicants, especially smaller actors.
- Need for Flexibility and Risk Buffering: Given the unpredictable nature of infrastructure permitting and implementation, FEPORT advocated for greater flexibility in budget structuring and contingency planning. It also recommended a higher tolerance for implementation delays beyond the control of beneficiaries.
- Simplification and Streamlining: To reduce administrative burden, FEPORT proposed standardised templates for demand and impact assessments, more flexible co-financing arrangements, and enhanced digital tools.
