Recommendations for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 2028 – 2034

The Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP) submitted its response to the EU public consultation on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and the implementation of EU funding with Member States and regions. Drawing on the insights from the industrial carbon management community, ZEP’s recommendations aim to ensure the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) achieves the greatest impact in assisting industrial decarbonisation efforts during the next MFF (2028 – 2034).

Key recommendations

Introduce blended and flexible financing mechanisms

Allow CEF Energy to combine grants with loans, guarantees, and equity from InvestEU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and national promotional banks for CO₂ networks, modelled on the CEF Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF).

In addition, apply higher co-financing rates for CO₂ storage and backbone projects delivering Union-wide security of supply for industrial decarbonisation.

Strengthen technical and financial due diligence

Require projects to demonstrate technical maturity (e.g., exploration licence or Front-End Engineering Design completion) and financial readiness before award, and prioritise projects with open-access design and proven cross-border relevance (“readiness to connect”).

Support development of standards, metering, and digital interoperability

Fund studies and works for harmonised CO₂ metering, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), ensuring reliable cross-border accounting and system integration. Similarly, develop common technical and digital frameworks enabling interoperable CO₂ transport and storage networks across Europe.

Ensure coherence and synergies with other EU instruments

Align CEF work programmes with the Innovation Fund, Net-Zero Industry Act, and Cohesion Policy to enable joint or sequential support across the CO₂ value chain. Furthermore, ZEP recommends co-designating CO₂ PCIs/PMIs as “Net-Zero Strategic Projects” to streamline permitting and investment planning.

ZEP’s full response is also available on the European Commission’s public consultation portal.