The International Road Transport Union (IRU) and more than 40 European transport organisations have jointly called on EU Member States and the European Commission to allocate at least €100 billion to the next Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding round under the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

As negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget intensify, the cross-modal coalition warns that the EU’s economic competitiveness, climate transition and security ambitions will fall short without significantly reinforced infrastructure funding.

The joint letter stresses that sustained EU investment is essential to deliver cross-border connectivity, dual-use infrastructure supporting both civilian transport and military mobility, and the rollout of infrastructure required for zero-emission vehicles.

IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “The EU cannot deliver on competitiveness, decarbonisation and security with underfunded transport infrastructure.”

“We need sustained EU investment in cross-border corridors, infrastructure readiness for zero-emission vehicles, expanded safe and secure parking capacity as well as digitalisation and smart infrastructure solutions that national budgets alone cannot deliver,” she added.

While CEF has prioritised projects with clear EU added value, demand has consistently outstripped available funding, leaving critical cross-border links and strategic corridors without adequate support.

The coalition argues that the next EU budget must match political ambition with financial firepower, ensuring coordinated infrastructure development, stronger corridor capacity, and enhanced military mobility preparedness.

The IRU says it will continue engaging with EU institutions as budget negotiations advance to ensure road transport priorities are fully reflected in the next MFF.