Ahead of the European Council meeting on 15 October 2026, the European association of Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) calls on EU Heads of State and Government to ensure adequate funding for the European transport infrastructure through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034).

Taking part in a joint initiative bringing together 39 organisations from across the wider European transport sector, EIM has signed an open letter to EU Leaders highlighting the importance of adequate and continuous funding for transport infrastructure. The Council presidency had proposed a substantive 11% reduction to the transport envelope of the CEF, thereby exceeding the overall MFF reduction of 8%.

These cuts come at a time when a European-wide transport network is more essential than ever. Completing the TEN-T network not only helps cohesion and decarbonisation but has a strategic role in strengthening Europe’s defence readiness, by enabling swift military mobility across the continent.
The Letta and Draghi reports have likewise identified rail infrastructure as a key enabler of European competitiveness, providing the cross-border links that connect people, industries, and businesses. Realising this potential requires sustained investment in the development, modernisation, and resilience of Europe's railway networks.

"The interconnection of European railway networks offers tremendous potential for European citizens and businesses. This will require the completion of the TEN-T network, as well as the deployment of ERTMS, FRMCS and significant investment in resilience and cybersecurity. The strategic importance of rail infrastructure must therefore be reflected in adequate and continuous funding throughout the next budgetary period.” says Monika Heiming, Executive Director of EIM.

This joint letter builds upon an initiative launched in February 2026, when 45 transport organisations, including EIM, jointly called on Member States to strengthen transport funding under the next MFF and increase the budget of the future CEF to at least EUR 100 billion.