A coalition of 45 European transport organisations has issued an open letter to EU Member States, calling for a stronger transport budget under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034.
The signatories urge governments to increase the future Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) budget to at least €100 billion.
Strategic Infrastructure At The Core
According to the sector, a modern and resilient European transport network is essential to:
- Strengthen Europe’s resilience and military preparedness
- Reinforce industrial competitiveness
- Safeguard supply chain sovereignty
While ambitions and investment needs are rising, the sector warns that structural underfunding and financing gaps persist.
The organisations argue that continued underinvestment risks undermining the EU’s broader strategic objectives.
MFF Discussions Underway
The appeal coincides with renewed discussions on the next MFF during the General Affairs Council meeting on 24 February.
The signatories are asking General Affairs and Finance Ministers to:
- Safeguard sufficient EU funding for transport
- Significantly reinforce the CEF instrument
- Align budget allocations with strategic priorities
Ports Call For Action
European Sea Ports Organisation Secretary General Isabelle Ryckbost stressed that Europe cannot meet its strategic objectives without a strong transport backbone.
She underlined that ports, as gateways to global trade and pillars of economic and geopolitical resilience, stand ready to invest but require adequate European support.
The full open letter and list of signatories have been made available to EU Member States as part of the budget discussions.