Inland Ports Call for Stronger EU Transport Funding in Joint Open Letter to Member States
Press Releases
24 February 2026
The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP), together with 44 other European transport organisations, has signed and published an open letter urging national governments to significantly strengthen European funding for transport in the next EU budget.
In particular, the signatories call for the future Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to be reinforced with a budget of at least €100 billion under the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034.
Inland Ports: Strategic Gateways for a Resilient Europe
In the open letter, EFIP highlights the central role inland ports play in Europe’s transport and industrial ecosystem. As multimodal hubs linking inland waterways with rail and road networks, inland ports are critical for:
- Securing resilient and diversified supply chains;
- Supporting Europe’s industrial base and energy transition;
- Enabling military mobility and strategic preparedness;
- Contributing to the EU’s climate and modal shift objectives.
Inland ports serve as key nodes of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), ensuring the smooth flow of goods between seaports, industrial clusters and urban centres. Their ability to handle large volumes of freight in a low-emission and energy-efficient manner makes them indispensable to Europe’s competitiveness and sustainability ambitions.
Investment Gaps Threaten Delivery
Despite their strategic importance, inland ports and the wider inland waterway sector face persistent underinvestment. Ageing infrastructure, climate-related challenges such as low water levels, and increasing demands for digitalisation and alternative fuel infrastructure require substantial and predictable EU support.
While inland ports stand ready to deliver on Europe’s strategic, economic and environmental objectives, EFIP stresses that this can only be achieved if funding instruments match political ambitions. A strengthened CEF is therefore essential to close existing financing gaps and accelerate critical infrastructure upgrades.
A Clear Message Ahead of MFF Discussions
With discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework intensifying, including at the General Affairs Council on 24 February, the 45 signatory organisations call on General Affairs and Finance Ministers to safeguard a strong and dedicated EU transport budget.
For inland ports, European funding is not merely complementary; it is a cornerstone for ensuring cross-border connectivity, resilience of river basins, and the long-term stability of Europe’s logistics network.
“Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and strategic autonomy depend on a robust and future-proof transport network. Inland ports are ready to play their full part provided the next EU budget gives transport, and particularly the Connecting Europe Facility, the means to deliver,” said EFIP Director Turi Fiorito
The full open letter is available through EFIP and the co-signatory organisations.
Background information on EFIP:
The European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) brings together more than 200 inland ports and port authorities in 17 countries of the European Union, Switzerland and Ukraine. Since 1994, EFIP has been the voice of the inland ports in Europe. EFIP highlights and promotes the role of inland ports.
EFIP actively follows all developments in the field of EU policy of importance to inland ports and represents the inland ports vis-à-vis the European institutions and other international bodies. EFIP offers its members the possibility to exchange information, expertise and best practices with colleagues in other countries.
For further information, please contact the Secretariat: +32 2 219 82 07 - info@inlandports.be
Check out our new website: www.inlandports.be
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