The digital strand of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) is part of the second generation of the Connecting Europe Facility. CEF Digital aims to leverage public and private investments in digital connectivity infrastructures of common European interest.
Investing in cross-border connectivity will continue playing a key role in Europe’s transformation and its competitiveness.
The part of CEF Digital managed by HaDEA provides grants in the following areas:
5G coverage along transport corridors Funding 5G coverage along transport paths such as roads and railways to leverage further investments and establish a pan-European transport network of 5G corridors. |
5G and Edge Cloud for Smart Communities Supporting the early 5G deployment and edge infrastructure to enable cases for socio-economic drivers, such as public administrations, healthcare centres, schools and other education and training institutions and make them “smarter”. |
Backbone networks for pan-European cloud federations CEF Digital supports the deployment of cross-border and national cloud, edge and HPC infrastructure interconnections at both the physical (i.e. very high capacity networks) and functional levels (i.e. DNS resolution) to enable distributed, secure, energy-efficient and high-speed infrastructure and cloud services for EU citizens and businesses. |
Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways Supporting the deployment of trans-continental backbone networks, such as submarine cables, to strengthen the quality and resilience of connectivity between EU countries and beyond. |
Supporting hardware and software infrastructures to promote real-time exchange of data in the energy and transport sectors across European Union. |
Quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI) Promoting quantum communication infrastructure interconnections to build an integrated satellite and terrestrial system spanning the whole EU for ultra-secure exchange of cryptographic keys. |
News

42 projects selected for EU funding of up to €260 million under second CEF Digital calls
The Commission has selected 42 projects among those submitted under the CEF Digital second round of calls for proposals.

HaDEA to showcase funding opportunities and success stories in the digital field at the Web Summit 2023
Since the beginning of its mandate, HaDEA has been working hard to facilitate the digital transition by funding digital projects. To showcase funding opportunities and successful projects, HaDEA will host a masterclass and a booth at Web Summit 2023.

European Cyber Security Month: discover projects funded through Connecting Europe Facility and Digital Europe Programme
To celebrate the 11th anniversary of the European Cyber Security Month (ECSM), HaDEA is highlighting projects funded under Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Digital Europe Programme.

CEF Digital calls open: over €240 million available for co-funding in the third calls for proposals deploying digital networks
Today, the third calls for proposals under the digital strand of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme opened with a deadline to apply by 17 January 2024. Join the online Info Day on 17 October to learn all about the call.
More information
European Commission – DG CNECT
Legal and policy background.
CEF II Regulation
Legal basis.
2021-25 Work Programme
Multiannual work programme for the implementation of CEF.
National Contact Points
Get personal support in your country.
Funded projects
Find calls for proposals and tenders