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Connecting Europe Facility

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Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)


Funding Europe's Transport, Connectivity & Logistics Infrastructure


Overview

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the European Union's flagship infrastructure funding programme designed to strengthen connectivity across Europe. CEF supports investments in transport, energy and digital infrastructure, with the transport pillar being particularly relevant for logistics, freight transport and supply chain operators. It plays a central role in developing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and accelerating the EU's Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. [dih.lu], [wns.com]

For Luxembourg, CEF presents significant opportunities because of the country's strategic position as a multimodal logistics hub, connecting major European markets through road, rail and air cargo networks. [guichet.public.lu], [luxinnovation.lu]


Why CEF Matters for Logistics

Unlike Horizon Europe, which primarily funds research and innovation, CEF finances the deployment and implementation of infrastructure projects with tangible operational impact. Projects are expected to enhance connectivity, sustainability, efficiency and resilience across European transport corridors. [dih.lu], [scmr.com]


Key Objectives

✅ Improve cross-border transport connectivity

✅ Strengthen freight corridors

✅ Support multimodal logistics

✅ Accelerate transport decarbonisation

✅ Promote digitalisation of transport systems

✅ Enhance supply chain resilience

✅ Support alternative fuel infrastructure

[dih.lu], [dih.lu]


Priority Areas for Logistics Projects


1. Multimodal Transport & Logistics Hubs

CEF strongly supports the development of multimodal infrastructure where different transport modes are integrated efficiently.

Eligible Projects

  • Logistics centres
  • Inland terminals
  • Intermodal hubs
  • Rail-road terminals
  • Airport logistics facilities
  • Freight consolidation centres

Benefits

  • Improved cargo flows
  • Reduced transport costs
  • Enhanced network resilience
  • Lower carbon emissions [dih.lu], [scmr.com]

Luxembourg Opportunity

Facilities such as Eurohub South and multimodal platforms around Bettembourg-Dudelange are well aligned with European priorities for modal shift and integrated logistics. [guichet.public.lu], [luxinnovation.lu]


2. Rail Freight & Modal Shift

One of CEF's main objectives is encouraging a shift from road transport to more sustainable transport modes.

Supported Activities

  • Rail freight terminals
  • Combined transport facilities
  • Cross-border rail infrastructure
  • Intermodal transfer equipment
  • Freight corridor upgrades

Strategic Impact

The European Commission's long-term mobility strategy aims to significantly increase rail freight usage and strengthen the TEN‑T network. [dih.lu]

Logistics Benefits

  • Reduced congestion
  • Lower emissions
  • Greater resilience
  • Improved long-distance freight efficiency [dih.lu], [scmr.com]


3. Alternative Fuel Infrastructure

Decarbonisation remains a major funding priority.

Eligible Investments

  • Electric truck charging stations
  • Hydrogen refuelling facilities
  • Alternative fuel networks
  • Sustainable transport infrastructure

Beneficiaries

  • Logistics parks
  • Transport operators
  • Public authorities
  • Infrastructure managers

These investments support Europe's transition toward zero-emission freight transport and cleaner logistics networks. [dih.lu], [dih.lu]


4. Air Cargo & Airport Infrastructure

CEF can support strategic airport projects that enhance freight capacity, safety, sustainability and digitalisation.

Logistics-Relevant Areas

  • Cargo terminal modernisation
  • Digital cargo systems
  • Freight handling technologies
  • Intermodal airport connections
  • Sustainable airport operations

Luxembourg Context

As one of Europe's leading air cargo platforms, Luxembourg Airport has strategic relevance within European freight networks, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive cargo. [guichet.public.lu], [citcomai-h....github.io]


5. Digital Transport Systems

Digitalisation is increasingly integrated into transport policy.

Supported Technologies

  • Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
  • Freight information platforms
  • Transport Management Systems
  • Digital freight documentation
  • Real-time monitoring solutions
  • Cross-border data exchange

Business Benefits

  • Improved visibility
  • Faster customs processing
  • Better route optimisation
  • Increased operational efficiency

The EU continues to prioritize digital freight information and interoperable transport management systems. [wns.com], [dih.lu]


6. TEN-T Network Development

The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is the backbone of European transport policy.

CEF Supports

  • Core transport corridors
  • Cross-border infrastructure
  • Rail and inland waterway projects
  • Multimodal terminals
  • Strategic logistics gateways

Why It Matters

A fully operational TEN-T network is a key EU objective for creating a connected, efficient and sustainable freight system across Europe. [dih.lu], [scmr.com]


Example CEF Projects for Logistics Companies


Smart Multimodal Freight Hub

Objective Connect rail, road and air cargo operations through a digital logistics platform.

Potential Partners

  • Logistics operators
  • Airport authorities
  • Rail operators
  • Technology providers

Expected Benefits

  • Reduced transit times
  • Better modal integration
  • Improved visibility


Green Logistics Park

Objective Transform a logistics park into a low-carbon freight hub.

Components

  • Solar energy
  • EV charging
  • Hydrogen infrastructure
  • Smart energy management

Funding Fit


Rail-Road Integration Platform

Objective Increase rail usage for long-distance freight transport.

Benefits

  • Carbon reduction
  • Greater resilience
  • Improved corridor performance

This type of project aligns strongly with both TEN-T and modal shift priorities. [dih.lu], [scmr.com]


Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants typically include:

  • Logistics companies
  • Infrastructure operators
  • Terminal operators
  • Port and airport authorities
  • Rail operators
  • Public authorities
  • Public-private partnerships

Many projects are submitted through consortiums involving multiple stakeholders. [dih.lu], [scmr.com]


How Luxembourg Companies Can Participate


Key Support Organisations

Luxinnovation

Cluster for Logistics

Ministry of the Economy


Executive Perspective

For logistics stakeholders in Luxembourg, the Connecting Europe Facility is most relevant for:

  1. Multimodal logistics hubs
  2. Rail freight and modal shift projects
  3. Air cargo infrastructure
  4. Alternative fuel infrastructure
  5. Digital freight and transport systems
  6. TEN-T corridor development
  7. Sustainable logistics infrastructure

CEF is particularly attractive because it funds real-world infrastructure deployments and operational improvements, making it an ideal complement to Horizon Europe research projects. Companies can use Horizon Europe to develop innovative solutions and CEF to scale and implement them across European transport networks. [dih.lu], [scmr.com], [esnajsoftware.com]