During its plenary session in Strasbourg from 27–29 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted its formal negotiating position on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028–2034 period.
This adopted resolution outlines the Parliament’s high-level budgetary priorities, sending a powerful and reassuring signal for the future of transport, digital mobility, and research & innovation (R&I) across Europe.
As the European voice for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and smart mobility, ERTICO closely monitors these budgetary developments to ensure our Partners remain at the forefront of European funding and strategic alignment.
The resolution establishes several vital takeaways that directly intersect with the mission and ongoing initiatives of the ERTICO partnership:
1. Robust Political Support for Transport Investment
The European Parliament has explicitly called for reinforced EU-level investment in transport and mobility infrastructure. Crucially, the resolution recognises transport not merely as an administrative sector, but as an indispensable pillar for European competitiveness, climate neutrality, strategic resilience, and continental security.
2. Continuity for CEF Transport and TEN-T Completion
In a move that safeguards long-term infrastructure planning, the Parliament strongly supports maintaining a dedicated Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Transport) mechanism. Furthermore, a heavy emphasis has been placed on completing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), bridging cross-border connectivity gaps, and systematically eliminating bottlenecks across the European transport corridors.
3. Accelerating Sustainable and Digital Mobility
Digitalisation and sustainability remain core drivers of the Parliament’s vision. The adopted position highlights the critical roles of rail, multimodal mobility, and comprehensive transport digitalisation. Moving forward, continued and robust support is anticipated for key digital deployment initiatives and technologies, including the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), and the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).
4. Reaffirming the Power of Research & Innovation (FP10)
Securing the future of European technological leadership, the Parliament reaffirmed its unwavering support for FP10 as a standalone Framework Programme. Moreover, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called for a net increase in R&I investment within the future MFF structure, ensuring that pioneering smart mobility solutions continue to receive the vital funding they require to scale.
5. The Rise of Security and Dual-Use Infrastructure
Reflecting contemporary geopolitical realities, the resolution formally recognises the growing, dual-use role of transport infrastructure. Future investments will increasingly look to bolster infrastructure that simultaneously serves civilian mobility and European defence readiness.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the ERTICO Partners
This pivotal vote establishes the European Parliament’s political baseline ahead of intense negotiations with the European Council and subsequent formal legislative proposals. While the high-level priorities are now set, the detailed programme structures, specific budgetary allocations, and implementation regulations will be hammered out during the next phase of the MFF discussions.
These developments are a strong validation of ERTICO's collective roadmap with its Partners
The Parliament's priorities directly reinforce the strategic importance of ERTICO’s core activities, specifically in:
- Enabling sustainable and connected mobility deployment across Europe.
- Supporting interoperability and transport digitalisation through our flagship projects, innovation platforms, and stakeholder engagement.
- Actively contributing to the design and implementation of future European transport and R&I priorities.
As the MFF 2028–2034 negotiations progress, ERTICO will continue to advocate for the smart mobility sector, keep our partnership fully informed, and identify emerging opportunities within the future funding landscape.
European Parliament. (2026, April 28). EU long-term budget: Responding to citizens’ expectations and major challenges [Press release].