Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T) and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

The trans-European transport network (TEN-T) is a Europe-wide network of roads, rail lines, ports and airports. The components of the TEN-T network and infrastructure requirements across the network are set out in Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, known as the TEN-T Regulation.

Transport infrastructure on the Core TEN-T network is required to be completed to the standard set out in the Regulation by 2030. The Comprehensive network is a wider network which is required to be completed by 2050.

The regulation also sets out high-priority ‘European Transport Corridors’ – which link passenger and freight transport networks across Europe. Ireland is included on two of these- the Atlantic Corridor and the North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor.

Maps of the TEN-T network can be viewed on the interactive TENtec portal .

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport is the EU funding instrument that supports the development of the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.

The rules and objectives of the Connecting Europe Facility for the 2021-2027 period are set out in the CEF Regulation.

The general objective of the current CEF Transport programme is to develop and complete the TEN-T network, while taking into account the EU’s long-term climate goals. The overall budget allocated to transport projects over this period is €25.81 billion.

CEF funding is delivered in the form of grants allocated following competitive calls for proposals. Funding rates vary depending on the conditions of each call and the type of project, generally ranging from 20% to 50% of eligible costs.

Applications for CEF funding are submitted to the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), who work in partnership with the European Commission. CINEA assess all applications and monitor the implementation of successful projects.

Information on Ireland’s participation in CEF to date and on individual projects can be found on the CINEA website.

The 2026 CEF Transport calls for proposals make €1.1 billion available to build and modernise European transport infrastructure.

Projects funded under these calls will help make the TEN-T network more sustainable, smart and resilient. The calls cover the TEN-T network in the following areas:

• Railway projects on the TEN-T Core Network
• Inland waterway projects on the TEN-T Core Network
• Electrification of the road haulage & airport sectors
• Electricity charging infrastructure in maritime and inland ports, and equipping vessels for the use of alternative fuels
• Adapting the transport infrastructure at Union external borders
• Digitalisation of road transport
• Military Mobility

Applicants should submit their proposal electronically via the Funding and Tenders Portal by 6 October 2026 at 17.00 CET (Brussels time).

Further information is available on the European Commission Funding Opportunities website: 2026 CEF Transport Calls

For CEF or TEN-T queries, please contact us at CEF@transport.gov.ie