FINANCING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN THE CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY (CEF): IMPLEMENTATION FEATURES AND PROSPECTS FOR UKRAINE'S PARTICIPATION

Abstract

The article examines the functioning and financial framework of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as a key instrument supporting the development of trans-European networks in the transport, energy, and digital sectors. The evolution of the CEF across the 2014–2020 and 2021–2027 programming periods is analyzed, with particular attention paid to its legal framework, strategic objectives, and role in implementing EU policies aimed at the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), transport decarbonization, digitalization, and the enhancement of infrastructure resilience.

The study investigates the project selection criteria applied within the CEF framework, which are based on the assessment of economic, social, and environmental impacts, the level of innovation and digitalization, cross-border relevance, integration potential, and compliance with the EU’s climate objectives. It is established that financial support is primarily allocated to projects contributing to the development of the TEN-T network, transport decarbonization, multimodal transport, digital infrastructure, and military mobility. The findings demonstrate that the CEF selection system is designed not only to support transport infrastructure development but also to advance the European Union’s long- term sustainable development goals.

Particular attention is devoted to the analysis of the implementation results of the CEF2 Transport programme during the 2021–2027 period. The study reveals that the instrument operates under conditions of exceptionally high demand for funding, with project financing needs significantly exceeding available financial resources. The key investment priorities are identified, including the development of railway transport, cross-border infrastructure, digital transport systems, alternative fuels infrastructure, and military mobility projects. Institutional changes in programme management are also examined, including the introduction of the “use it or lose it” principle and mechanisms for reallocating unused funds.

The article substantiates that Ukraine’s participation in the CEF2 programme creates additional opportunities for financing transport infrastructure projects aimed at integrating the national transport system into the TEN-T network. At the same time, the high level of competition for available resources necessitates improvements in project preparation quality, institutional capacity, and the alignment of Ukrainian projects with the strategic priorities of EU transport policy.


References

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