Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
AI-assisted content notice: this page includes AI-assisted summaries, FAQs, and glossary entries prepared for navigation purposes. Verify the underlying legal text before relying on this content.
Summary
Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 establishes the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for the 2021–2027 period to support projects of common interest in the trans-European networks in the transport and energy sectors and in the area of digital connectivity. It sets the programme’s objectives, budget, eligible actions, and the rules for awarding Union financial assistance (including grants, procurement and blending operations). It also lays down governance through Commission work programmes and calls, plus monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements to protect the Union’s financial interests.
Who is affected?
Member States, public and private project promoters, and other eligible legal entities that apply for and implement CEF-funded actions in transport, energy and digital connectivity. The European Commission manages the programme via work programmes, calls and award decisions, with Member States involved where required (e.g., for certain cross-border or strategic actions).
Scope
Applies to Union financial support under the Connecting Europe Facility for 2021–2027 for projects of common interest in transport, energy and digital connectivity infrastructure, including cross-border and interoperability-focused actions.
Key Points
- Establishes the CEF programme for 2021–2027 and its objectives across transport, energy and digital connectivity.
- Sets the financial envelope and the main implementation method via Commission work programmes and calls for proposals/tenders.
- Defines eligible actions and priorities, including digital connectivity infrastructure (e.g., very high capacity networks and 5G along transport corridors and for socio-economic drivers).
- Lays down forms of Union support (grants, procurement, financial instruments/blending operations) and core award/co-financing principles.
- Provides monitoring, reporting and evaluation obligations, including measures to protect the Union budget (anti-fraud controls and audit/oversight mechanisms).
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 (CEF)?
Member States, public and private project promoters, and other eligible legal entities that apply for and implement CEF-funded actions in transport, energy, and digital connectivity must comply with this regulation.
What is the main objective of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)?
The main objective of CEF is to support projects of common interest that enhance trans-European networks in transport, energy, and digital connectivity, promoting cross-border integration and interoperability.
Which sectors are covered by CEF funding?
CEF funding covers the transport, energy, and digital connectivity sectors, focusing on infrastructure projects that facilitate cross-border connections and improve network efficiency within the EU.
What types of financial support does CEF provide?
CEF provides Union financial assistance through grants, procurement, and blending operations (combining grants with other financial instruments), based on competitive calls and established award criteria.
What are the key obligations for beneficiaries of CEF funding?
Beneficiaries must comply with the terms of the grant agreements, ensure proper use of funds, participate in monitoring and reporting, and adhere to anti-fraud and audit requirements to protect the Union’s financial interests.
How are projects selected for CEF funding?
Projects are selected through competitive calls for proposals or tenders, based on priorities set in Commission work programmes and eligibility criteria defined in the regulation.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with CEF rules?
Penalties may include recovery of funds, exclusion from future funding, and other corrective measures if beneficiaries fail to comply with financial, reporting, or anti-fraud obligations.
How does CEF interact with other EU funding programmes?
CEF may be coordinated with other EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe or Cohesion Fund, but double funding is not permitted. Synergies are encouraged where projects meet the objectives of multiple programmes.
What are the main steps to apply for CEF funding?
Applicants must monitor Commission work programmes and calls, prepare and submit proposals in line with eligibility and award criteria, and, if selected, enter into a grant agreement and comply with implementation and reporting requirements.
What is the duration of the current CEF programme?
The current CEF programme covers the period from 2021 to 2027.
Key Terms
- Projects of Common Interest (PCIs)
- Strategic infrastructure projects identified as essential for achieving EU policy objectives in transport, energy, or digital connectivity, eligible for CEF support.
- Work Programme
- A document adopted by the European Commission outlining the priorities, budget allocations, and specific calls for proposals under CEF.
- Blending Operations
- Financial mechanisms that combine CEF grants with other sources of public or private finance, such as loans or equity, to maximize investment impact.
- Cross-border Actions
- Projects or activities that involve cooperation between two or more Member States, aimed at improving trans-European networks.
- Socio-economic Drivers
- Entities such as schools, hospitals, or public administrations that are key users or beneficiaries of digital connectivity infrastructure supported by CEF.
- Co-financing Rate
- The percentage of project costs covered by CEF funding, with the remainder financed by the beneficiary or other sources.
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Obligations for beneficiaries to provide regular updates and data on project progress, outcomes, and financial management to the Commission.
- Anti-fraud Controls
- Measures implemented to prevent, detect, and address fraud or irregularities in the use of CEF funds.
- Calls for Proposals
- Official invitations published by the Commission for eligible entities to submit project applications for CEF funding.
- Interoperability
- The ability of different infrastructure systems (e.g., transport or digital networks) to work together seamlessly across Member States, a key objective of CEF-supported projects.