European infrastructure leaders urge EU to maintain centralised transport funding Under CEF III. The leaders of four major European cross-border infrastructure projects—Rail Baltica, TELT (Lyon–Turin rail tunnel), BBT (Brenner Base Tunnel), and Canal Seine–Nord Europe—have issued a joint statement urging EU institutions to uphold a coordinated, centralised transport investment strategy under the next Connecting Europe Facility (CEF III).
The projects warn that diverting EU funds toward fragmented national initiatives risks delaying the completion of core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors, which are vital for Europe’s economic integration, climate goals, and geopolitical resilience.
Rail Baltica, which links the Baltic states to Poland and the broader EU network, is currently under construction in all three Baltic countries. CEO Marko Kivila emphasised: “These projects are not national – they are European. Their success depends on shared ambition and investment.”
The joint statement outlines five recommendations:
- Strengthen CEF III
- Prioritise European Transport Corridors
- Secure long-term EU co-financing
- Minimise red tape
- Encourage public-private collaboration
TELT, responsible for the Lyon–Turin tunnel, reported that 25% of tunnelling is complete, with over 3,000 workers active across 11 sites. Project leaders stressed the importance of financial stability and local engagement to maintain momentum.
BBT SE, overseeing the Brenner Base Tunnel between Austria and Italy, said 86% of excavation is complete. Once operational, it will shift alpine freight from road to rail, dramatically cutting travel times and emissions.
The Canal Seine–Nord Europe, which will link northern France with Belgium by waterway, is entering a key construction phase, with bridges and locks now underway. Project head Jérôme Dezobry called for sustained EU support to maintain progress.
The statement was released during the 20th anniversary of the European TEN-T Coordinators, underlining the importance of maintaining EU-wide investment in large-scale transport infrastructure.
Together, the four projects symbolise Europe’s commitment to greener, more connected transport—and their leaders are urging the EU to stay the course.
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