On 16 December the European Commission adopted the first Work Programme for the digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital), defining the scope and aims of the EU-supported actions needed to improve Europe's digital connectivity infrastructures for 3 years. Over €1 billion will be dedicated to these actions in funding in 2021-2023.

CEF Digital is expected to support the following key actions:

• The deployment of 5G infrastructures in Europe, in particular 5G coverage along cross-border corridors and 5G for smart communities.
• The deployment of new or significant upgrade of existing backbone networks.
• The implementation of digital connectivity infrastructures related to cross-border projects in the areas of transport or energy and/or supporting operational digital platforms directly associated to transport or energy infrastructures.

The first calls for CEF Digital will be announced in early January 2022. Interested stakeholders will also be able to attend an ‘info day' soon after the launch, to find out more about the priorities and main aspects of the calls, as well as the evaluation and award process.

Learn more here.