On the 3 July 2025, the European Commission announced 94 transport projects across the EU that will receive nearly €2.8 billion in EU grants under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
By modernising railways, inland waterways and maritime routes across the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), the projects will not only help better connect European regions and cities – north to south, east to west – but will also strengethen the EU’s internal market by making it more competitive and resilient.
The following eight projects illustrate how EU funding is helping to modernise transport infrastructure in urban nodes – expanding smarter, safer and more sustainable transport networks across Europe.
- Multimodal Node Leuven North – Munoleno
This project involves the design of an accessible, efficient, safe and attractive multimodal hub for passengers in Leuven.
- VERKKO – European network for safer, greener and digital traffic management, intermodal freight and cross-border mobility improvements along the TEN-T corridors
This project supports the deployment of cooperative intelligent transport systems (ITS) services in 12 countries and several urban nodes. It aims to improve sustainable mobility and digital traffic management, and to support intermodal freight and cross-border mobility. The project will enable the harmonised and coordinated deployment of cooperative ITS services, improve digital infrastructure and enhance mobility and safety in the TEN-T road network.
- Marseille – Development of multimodal passenger hubs: Final studies
This project focuses on the final design studies of two multimodal passenger hubs: Marseille Saint Charles and Marseille Saint Andre. The main benefit lies in the future development of hubs that integrate transport modes within urban nodes, encourage a shift from road to rail, streamline transport flows and support the goal of creating 100 climate-neutral and smart cities.
- Nice airport multimodal passenger hub: Final Studies
This project supports the final design studies for a multimodal passenger hub at Nice airport. Its primary benefit is to enable future construction that will enhance connectivity within the urban node of Nice.
- Increasing traffic safety on Croatian motorways AI and A4 through implementation of the ITS system
This project involves the deployment of ITS infrastructure to improve traffic signalling, direct diverted traffic, detect oversized vehicles and enhance remote ramp control in Croatia’s main cities along motorways A1 and A4. The main benefits are improved safety and traffic flows on the TEN-T network in Croatia.
- Design of the Bolazano multimodal node on the Scandinavian-Mediterranean ETC
The project covers the preliminary design phase for upgrading the multimodal hub station in Bolzano. It aims to transform the Bolzano Railway Area into a fully integrated multimodal passenger hub, significantly enhancing regional connectivity.
- Multimodal hubs for Italian Core Urban Nodes of Milan, Turin, Rome and Bari.
This project includes the preliminary and final designs for upgrading railway stations in four key multimodal passenger hubs – Milan, Turin, Rome and Bari.
- New central station in Norrkoping – Level Up
This project involves the planning and design of a new multimodal central station in Norrköping, as part of the East Link high-speed rail line.
The Commission will now formally adopt the selection decision, and CINEA will start preparing grant agreements for the chosen projects. These agreements are expected to be finalised by October 2025.
Review the full list of funded projects here.
Author: Amy Nicholson
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
