On 3 June 2026, the European Parliament's ITRE and TRAN committees jointly debated the proposed Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for 2028-2034, revealing sharp divisions over budget allocation, project eligibility, and the balance between transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. EPP rapporteur Massimiliano Salini stressed the need for increased funding to meet climate goals and support cross-border projects, particularly in rail and renewable energy. S&D shadow rapporteur Tsvetelina Penkova pushed for stronger social conditionality and a higher share for sustainable mobility. Renew Europe's Dominique Riquet questioned the proposed 30% cut to the transport envelope, arguing it would undermine TEN-T completion. Greens-EFA MEP Anna Deparnay-Grunenberg called for excluding fossil fuel projects entirely, while ECR's Evžen Tošenovský warned against overregulation that could deter private investment. The Left's Marisa Matias demanded ring-fenced funds for peripheral regions.
Commissioner for Transport Apostolos Tzitzikostas defended the proposal as balanced, noting synergies between sectors.
The debate highlighted a cleavage between those prioritising climate ambition and social criteria (S&D, Greens, The Left) and those emphasising investment certainty and private sector involvement (EPP, ECR, Renew). A 30% cut to the transport envelope would slow TEN-T completion, affecting rail operators and national infrastructure agencies, while excluding fossil fuels could accelerate energy grid modernisation but deter private investors. Stronger social conditionality may increase administrative burdens for project promoters. Amendments are due by 20 June, with a committee vote scheduled for September.