First calls for proposals under CEF Digital launched

First calls for proposals under CEF Digital launched

Following the adoption of the first Work Programme for the digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) in December 2021, earmarking over €1 billion in funding for the period 2021-2023, the European Commission now launched the first calls for proposals under CEF Digital.

The calls cover the following areas:

  • 5G coverage along transport corridors
  • 5G for Smart Communities
  • Backbone networks for pan-European cloud federations
  • Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways
  • Programme Support Actions for Operational Digital Platforms and 5G connectivity infrastructures.

The calls aim to strengthen digital connectivity infrastructures, especially Gigabit and 5G networks, across the EU, and support Europe's digital transformation, with a planned overall budget of €258 million.

The Commission will co-fund actions aiming to equip Europe's main transport routes and providers of key services in local communities with 5G connectivity, as well as actions to deploy or upgrade backbone networks based on advanced technologies. The calls will also focus on infrastructure connecting federated cloud services, backbone infrastructures for digital global gateways, such as submarine cables, as well as preparatory actions to set up operational digital platforms for transport and energy infrastructures across the EU. 

Learn more here and find the open calls here.

An online info day on the calls will be organised on 19 January. Interested applicants will have a chance to hear more about the application, the evaluation and the award processes. Find out more about the info day here.