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. The debate comes as the Commission seeks to streamline the instrument while maintaining its role in supporting cross-border projects.
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 completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). 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 focused on investment certainty and avoiding regulatory burden (EPP, ECR). Renew Europe positioned itself as a defender of transport funding levels. The outcome will affect national infrastructure agencies, rail operators, energy grid developers, and digital connectivity providers. Amendments are due by 20 June, with a committee vote scheduled for September.