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CEF – Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways – 2026

CEF - The Connecting Europe Facility programme aims at promoting growth, jobs, and competitiveness through infrastructure investment.

2026-06-30
180 million euros
Open

Call synthesis

Call reference CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS
Programme CONNECTING EUROPE FACILITY PROGRAMME
Institution European Commission
Sectors Energy Research & Innovation Technology & Digital Transport
Beneficiaries EU & International Organisation Large company (> 250 employees) Smes & Start-Ups (< 249 Employees)

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Call reference

CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS



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Priorities and funded actions

Objective

To support the deployment or significant upgrade of backbone networks – in particular submarine cables but also terrestrial backbone networks and satellite infrastructure – that address risks, vulnerabilities and dependencies in the EU backbone infrastructure.

Among financed actions

  • Works
  • Studies

Eligibility

  • Be legal entities (public or private bodies)
  • Be established in one of the eligible countries:
    • EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories)
  • Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must register in the Participant Register before submitting the proposal

Additional information

  • Initial duration of the action: up to 36 months

Extensions are possible, if duly justified and through an amendment.

  • Contact: HADEA-CEFDIGITAL-CALLS@ec.europa.eu

Useful

Financement
  • Total budget of the call: 180 million euros
  • Amount of the grant per topic:
    • CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS-STUDIES: maximum 5 million euros per project
    • CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS-WORKS: maximum 20 million euros per project

In exceptional cases, proposals may benefit from a higher grant amount of maximum 60 million euros (see details on the call document).

The grant awarded may be lower than the amount requested.

  • Funding rate: between 30% and 70% of the total eligible costs