The European Commission has approved 56 projects for funding under the fourth round of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, marking a significant push toward strengthening Europe’s digital infrastructure
The selected initiatives will receive up to €389 million in EU support, with grant agreements now being finalised by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Once signed, the agreements will unlock pre-financing and allow the projects to begin across the continent.
Strengthening Europe’s digital backbone
This latest round of CEF-Digital funding focuses heavily on building strong, high-performance digital backbone networks within the EU and beyond. These include both terrestrial and submarine cable systems designed to increase connectivity between Member States, EU territories, and partner countries.
Backbone projects funded by the CEF-Digital are intended to improve international digital links, enable faster data exchange, and reduce reliance on non-EU infrastructure. They form part of the EU’s bigger plans to reinforce its digital sovereignty and ensure secure, reliable communications for governments, businesses, and citizens.
With 220 partners from 28 countries participating in the selected projects, the initiative demonstrates a strong, coordinated effort to modernise Europe’s digital landscape.
Accelerating 5G across transport corridors and communities
A significant portion of the newly funded projects focuses on expanding 5G coverage along major European transport routes. These 5G large-scale pilots will equip key motorway and railway segments across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) with high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
The goal is to support advanced mobility solutions, improve safety, and enable seamless cross-border communication for vehicles and rail networks.
Beyond transport, CEF-Digital funding is also supporting the rollout of 5G networks and edge cloud infrastructure within local communities. These Smart Communities projects cover sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and port and airport logistics. By funding these initiatives, the EU hopes to improve digital innovation at the local level and help regions adopt next-generation technologies that will enhance efficiency and public services.
Boosting quantum safe communications
Another major priority in this CEF-Digital funding round is the development of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). The selected EuroQCI projects will establish secure cross-border fibre connections between national quantum communication networks and prepare satellite ground stations that will link the terrestrial network with the upcoming IRIS² space constellation.
These developments are intended to strengthen Europe’s cybersecurity capabilities by enabling quantum-safe communication channels for both the public and private sectors.
Continued investment through CEF digital
The CEF-Digital programme has a total budget of €1.5 billion for 2021–2027, supporting studies and deployment projects. Co-financing rates for this round range from 30% to 75%, depending on the nature and scope of each project.
As part of the wider Connecting Europe Facility, CEF-Digital complements EU initiatives in transport and energy infrastructure, ensuring that Europe’s digital networks keep pace with technological and geopolitical developments.
The Commission adopted the formal selection decision on 3 November 2025. HaDEA is now preparing the grant agreements, enabling successful applicants to begin implementation.
