Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas unveiled the European Commission’s proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 during a session of the EP TRAN Committee, outlining significant funding increases and strategic priorities for transport and tourism in the EU.
A More Flexible and Simplified Budget
Tzitzikostas emphasized the necessity for a “smarter MFF” that introduces greater flexibility—currently, over 90% of EU spending is rigidly earmarked—allowing agile responses to unforeseen crises and emerging priorities. However, he highlighted the challenge of maintaining predictability essential for long-term transport infrastructure projects. As part of streamlining efforts, several funding programs will be merged to simplify access and create synergies.
Doubling Transport Funding and Military Mobility Boost
The proposal notably doubles the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) transport budget to €51.5 billion, underscoring transport’s role in EU competitiveness and security. A standout feature is the tenfold increase to €17.65 billion earmarked for military mobility, reflecting intensified EU focus on infrastructure capable of rapid movement of military equipment. This institutional strengthening of military mobility marks a shift towards greater EU coordination in defense-related infrastructure.
Focus on Cross-Border Infrastructure and Cohesion
Completing the cross-border Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is underlined as a priority. Commissioner Tzitzikostas stresses that without EU financial support, many large-scale, especially cross-border projects would not materialize. The proposal advocates a targeted use of National and Regional Partnerships, especially focusing on member states with Gross National Income (GNI) below 90%, mainly in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, to address infrastructure lag, signaling a move towards more EU involvement in regional cohesion through transport investments.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Tourism Support
Complementing infrastructure investments, the new European Competitiveness Fund is proposed with €26 billion dedicated to decarbonization and clean transition, alongside €40 billion from the Innovation Fund for sustainable transport innovations. Tourism receives a spotlight through sustained support in National and Regional Partnerships and a dedicated program (“AgoraEU”) focused on promoting cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.
Stakeholder Impact and Policy Balances
- EU Transport Sector: Gains from increased funding and innovation support, offset by intensified administrative requirements due to merged programs and coordination efforts.
- National Authorities in Cohesion States: Faced with enhanced funding opportunities but also pressured to prioritize transport in national plans against competing demands.
- European Security Community: Benefits from advanced military mobility infrastructure, supporting strategic EU defense objectives.
- Tourism SMEs and Regional Economies: Stand to gain from sustainability-focused funding and cultural promotion programs, supported by simplified access to EU funds.
Commissioner Tzitzikostas’ proposal signals a substantive shift toward strengthening EU-level coordination and funding in transport and tourism, particularly emphasizing military mobility and regional cohesion, with a clear policy orientation favoring increased EU powers in infrastructure investment and a balanced prioritization of competitiveness, security, and sustainability.