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RFPs: Modernising External Border Transport Infrastructure

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Deadline: 06-Oct-2026

The European Commission is accepting applications under the CEF-T-2026-SAFEMOBGEN-EXTBORDER-WORKS call to modernise transport infrastructure at external border crossing points on the TEN-T network. The call supports rail and road infrastructure improvements that facilitate traffic flows, reduce congestion, improve interoperability, and support smoother border control operations at the Union’s external borders.

The total funding available is €20,000,000. Eligible projects may include studies, works, or mixed projects focused on rail and road connections, truck parking and waiting areas, road lane capacity, coordinated bi-directional controls, and smart IT solutions integrated into transport infrastructure.

What is the CEF-T External Border Infrastructure Call?

The CEF-T-2026-SAFEMOBGEN-EXTBORDER-WORKS call is a European Commission funding opportunity for transport infrastructure at the European Union’s external borders.

The call supports projects that improve traffic flows for rail and road transport at border control areas.

It focuses on infrastructure located at or connected to border crossing points on the Trans-European Transport Network, known as the TEN-T network.

Priority is given to projects located on the TEN-T European Transport Corridors.

Main Purpose of the Call

The main purpose of the call is to modernise transport infrastructure at external border crossing points.

The funding aims to reduce congestion, improve border traffic management, and support smoother movement of freight and passengers.

The call also supports infrastructure measures that improve rail interoperability and enable more efficient border control procedures.

Total Funding Available

The total funding available under the CEF-T-2026-SAFEMOBGEN-EXTBORDER-WORKS call is €20,000,000.

Funding may support:

Projects must be related to transport infrastructure at the Union’s external borders.

Focus Areas and Priorities

The call focuses on transport infrastructure that improves traffic flow at EU external border crossing points.

Key focus areas include:

Key Concepts Explained

TEN-T Network

The TEN-T network is the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network.

It includes major transport routes, corridors, roads, railways, ports, airports, terminals, and border connections that support movement across Europe.

Under this call, projects should be connected to transport infrastructure on the TEN-T network.

External Border Crossing Points

External border crossing points are locations where transport flows enter or leave the European Union’s external borders.

These points may include road and rail border control areas where vehicles, freight, and passengers undergo checks.

Traffic Flow Facilitation

Traffic flow facilitation means improving transport movement through infrastructure upgrades.

This may include reducing queues, improving road lane capacity, strengthening rail connections, upgrading waiting areas, and integrating smart systems that support faster border checks.

Coordinated Bi-Directional Controls

Coordinated bi-directional controls refer to border control arrangements that support more efficient traffic management in both directions.

The call encourages upgrading existing border crossing points to enable such coordinated controls.

Rail Interoperability

Rail interoperability means that rail systems can operate smoothly across borders.

This may include infrastructure measures that help improve compatibility, efficiency, and continuity of rail transport between countries.

What Types of Projects are Supported?

The programme supports studies, works, or mixed projects related to transport infrastructure at EU external borders.

Eligible project activities may include:

Projects should clearly show how they will reduce congestion or improve traffic movement at the Union’s external borders.

Support for Rail Projects

Rail projects are eligible when they facilitate traffic flows at TEN-T Border Crossing Points.

Supported rail-related measures may include infrastructure improvements that enhance interoperability and improve cross-border rail movement.

Projects should explain how the proposed rail works or studies will improve efficiency, reduce delays, or strengthen border transport operations.

Support for Road Projects

Road projects are eligible where they improve access, capacity, or traffic management at external border crossing points.

Supported road-related measures may include:

These measures should contribute directly to smoother traffic flows and better border management.

Smart IT Solutions and Fixed Devices

Certain smart IT solutions and fixed devices may be eligible if they are integrated into transport infrastructure.

They must form part of broader infrastructure adaptation projects.

They should also contribute to:

Stand-alone border check equipment is not eligible.

Activities Not Eligible for Funding

The call excludes several types of costs and activities.

Ineligible activities include:

Applicants should ensure that the project budget does not include these ineligible items.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be legal entities.

They may be public or private entities established in:

International organisations are also eligible.

Entities from non-eligible countries may exceptionally participate if their involvement is considered essential for implementing the action.

Exceptional Participation Rules

Entities without legal personality may participate only under exceptional circumstances.

They must be able to:

Natural persons are generally not eligible.

The exception applies to self-employed sole traders where the business does not have legal personality separate from the individual.

EU bodies cannot participate in the consortium, except for the European Commission Joint Research Centre.

How the Call Works

The European Commission provides funding for projects that modernise transport infrastructure at the EU’s external border crossing points.

Applicants submit proposals for studies, works, or mixed projects that improve rail or road traffic flows.

Projects should demonstrate a clear link to the TEN-T network and should show how the proposed infrastructure will improve border area efficiency.

Projects located on TEN-T European Transport Corridors are prioritised.

How to Apply

Applicants should first confirm that the proposed project is located at or connected to an eligible external border crossing point on the TEN-T network.

They should then identify whether the project is a study, works project, or mixed project.

The proposal should clearly explain the infrastructure challenge, current traffic flow problems, expected improvements, and relevance to EU external border operations.

Applicants should also confirm that all proposed activities are eligible and that no excluded costs are included.

Suggested Application Steps

  1. Confirm that the project relates to a TEN-T external border crossing point.
  2. Check whether the project is located on a TEN-T European Transport Corridor.
  3. Identify whether the proposal is for studies, works, or a mixed project.
  4. Define the transport problem, such as congestion, limited lane capacity, poor rail interoperability, or inefficient border traffic movement.
  5. Describe the planned infrastructure improvements.
  6. Explain how the project will improve traffic flows at the Union’s external borders.
  7. For rail projects, show how the action will enhance interoperability or rail border efficiency.
  8. For road projects, explain how the project improves access, waiting areas, parking capacity, or lane capacity.
  9. If smart IT solutions are included, show how they are integrated into broader infrastructure adaptation.
  10. Exclude ineligible costs such as mobile equipment, stand-alone border check equipment, administrative buildings, warehouses, and border officer parking.
  11. Confirm applicant eligibility and consortium rules.
  12. Submit the application through the official European Commission process.

Why It Matters

Efficient border transport infrastructure is important for trade, mobility, security, and regional connectivity.

Congestion at external border crossing points can delay freight, disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and reduce transport efficiency.

Modern infrastructure can help border areas manage road and rail traffic more effectively.

By supporting TEN-T border crossing improvements, the call contributes to safer, smoother, and more efficient movement across the EU’s external borders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid submitting projects that are not clearly connected to the TEN-T network or external border crossing points.

Projects should not include ineligible items such as mobile equipment, stand-alone border check equipment, administrative buildings, storage facilities, warehouses, or border officer parking.

Applicants should avoid proposing smart IT systems as stand-alone activities if they are not integrated into broader infrastructure adaptation.

Proposals should not rely on vague claims about reducing congestion without explaining the specific infrastructure improvements.

Applicants should also avoid weak explanations of how the project supports traffic flows for rail or road transport.

Tips for Strong Applications

A strong application should clearly describe the border transport problem and show how the proposed infrastructure will solve it.

Applicants should provide a clear link between the project and the TEN-T network.

Projects located on TEN-T European Transport Corridors should highlight this alignment.

Road projects should explain how parking, waiting areas, lane capacity, and access improvements will reduce congestion.

Rail projects should explain how the proposed action will improve interoperability and traffic flow at border crossing points.

Applications should also clearly separate eligible infrastructure measures from ineligible border control or administrative costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the CEF-T-2026-SAFEMOBGEN-EXTBORDER-WORKS call?

The call supports the modernisation of transport infrastructure at EU external border crossing points to improve traffic flows for rail and road transport.

2. How much funding is available?

The total funding available under the call is €20,000,000.

3. What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects may include studies, works, or mixed projects related to transport infrastructure at external borders.

4. What road infrastructure activities can be supported?

Supported road activities may include improved road connections to border crossing points, upgraded truck parking and waiting areas, and increased road lane capacity between parking areas and border control points.

5. What rail activities can be supported?

Rail projects may be supported if they facilitate traffic flows at TEN-T Border Crossing Points, including measures that enhance interoperability.

6. Are smart IT solutions eligible?

Yes, certain smart IT solutions and fixed devices may be eligible if they are integrated into transport infrastructure, form part of broader infrastructure adaptation, and contribute to faster border checks or reduced congestion.

7. What activities are not eligible?

Mobile equipment, stand-alone border check equipment, administrative buildings, storage and warehouse facilities, and parking facilities for border officers are not eligible.

Conclusion

The CEF-T-2026-SAFEMOBGEN-EXTBORDER-WORKS call supports transport infrastructure upgrades that improve traffic flows at the European Union’s external border crossing points.

With €20,000,000 available, the call funds studies, works, and mixed projects focused on rail and road connections, truck waiting areas, road lane capacity, rail interoperability, coordinated bi-directional controls, and integrated smart infrastructure.

Applicants should ensure their proposals are linked to the TEN-T network, address external border traffic challenges, exclude ineligible costs, and demonstrate clear benefits for congestion reduction and transport efficiency.

For more information, visit European Commission.

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