EU Budget: Commission proposes unprecedented investments in infrastructure networks and space technology

For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the Commission is today proposing two programmes that will boost Europe’s economy by investing in strategic sectors.

First, the Commission is proposing to renew the ‘Connecting Europe Facility’, with a budget of €42.3 billion to support investments in the infrastructure networks for transport (€30.6 billion), energy (€8.7 billion) and digital (€3 billion).  This represents a 47% increase compared to 2014-2020, showing the EU’s commitment to a well-connected and integrated Union where citizens and businesses can fully benefit from free movement and the single market. The Commission is today proposing that 60% of the budget contributes to climate objectives, which will consolidate Europe’s global leadership in the fight against climate change (More information: see press release and factsheet). European leadership is also at heart of the second instrument. With a budget of €16 billion, the new EU Space programme will help maintain and further enhance the EU’s role in this field.Space technology, data and services have become indispensable in the daily lives of Europeans and for Europe to pursue its strategic interests. The new programme builds on successes such as Galileo and EGNOS in satellite navigation, Copernicus in Earth observation and will develop new security components. It will invest more in space activities, adapting to new needs and technologies to foster a strong and innovative space industry. A press release, FAQs and a factsheet on the new EU Space Programme are available online.