CEF Digital
€1.7 Billion Budget

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital is a funding program designed to advance and improve telecommunications networks across Europe. It supports the development of broadband infrastructure and enhances the interoperability of communication systems within the EU, focusing on expanding high-performance infrastructure such as Gigabit and 5G networks.

Cross-border connections

There is still a significant gap in private and public funding. CEF Digital helps close the funding gap for digital infrastructure in Europe by bringing together private and public investments. This program supports the development of high-performance digital networks, focusing on Gigabit and 5G technologies across the EU. CEF Digital is managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). It aims to: 

Deploy high-speed networks

Install 5G systems in key areas to boost smart community connectivity.

Ensure 5G coverage

Provide continuous 5G along major transport routes, including European transport networks.

Upgrade backbone networks

Improve or build new backbone networks, including submarine cables and quantum communication infrastructure.

Support cross-border projects

Enhance digital infrastructure for transport and energy projects that span borders.

CEF Digital provides grants in the following areas:

  • 5G coverage along European transport corridors such as roads, railways and inland waterways.
  • Early deployment of 5G to make local communities smarter.   
  • Backbone networks for a pan-European cloud infrastructure.
  • Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways.
  • Deployment of European Quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI).
  • Operational Digital Platforms for energy and transport infrastructures across the European Union.
CEF Digital
Billion budget
0

Who
can apply?

Eligible applicants for CEF Digital funding include: 

Private companies

Public authorities

Public-private partnerships

Non-governmental organizations

Do you have an idea in mind?

Our team helps make your projects a reality and advises you along the way.

How can we
help you

1. Proposal development

We start with your idea and make it grow. We help you develop the proposal, find the right partners, write it and develop it.

2. Contract with the Commission

We prepare the contract with the European Commission. We take care of all administrative, legal and financial aspects of each proposal.

3. Administrative Management

Once the proposal is approved, we support the coordinator and the partners in the administrative, financial and legal management of the project.

4. Positioning

We position you as a key player in European projects in your strategic areas.

5. Information

Receive information on funding opportunities for your project, updated and adapted to your activities and the challenges of your sector.

6. Strategic partner

Within our consultancy function, we offer dissemination and communication services, cascade funding, platform management…

Our figures in CEF Digital

75%

Success rate in the

CEF Digital programme

54M€

Return for our clients in the

CEF Digital programme

Our projects

CEF Digital 2023

MEDUSA AFRICA

DATA GATEWAY BETWEEN EUROPE AND AFRICA

Developed by AFR-IX TELECOM, S.A.U.

Total amount granted: 14,310,913.57

CEF Digital 2023

ATMED MALTA-DG

DATA GATEWAY BETWEEN THE ATLANTIC AND THE MEDITERRANEAN

Developed by AFR-IX TELECOM, S.A.U.

Total amount granted: 3,742,995.00€

Related staff

Daniel Errea

Digital Knowledge Area Leader

Miryam Aranzadi

Consultant in European Projects

Julen Ugalde

Head of European Projects at the Bilbao office

Iñaki Armendáriz

Senior Consultant in European Projects

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“Zabala Innovation is committed with the principles of CEF Digital to provide essential digital tools and resources that accelerate innovation, foster cross-border connectivity, and enhance the delivery of public services across Europe. We are prepared to empower organizations to harness the full potential of digital transformation, driving economic growth and ensuring seamless services for all European citizens.”

Daniel Errea

Digital Knowledge Area Leader

Current News

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NEWS

The European Commission launches three calls to enhance advanced connectivity

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OPINION

Gigabit connectivity for Europe: bridging the digital divide by 2030

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INTERVIEW

"Efficiency in the use of resources and the circular economy are on the rise driven by digital technologies"

More about
Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

The CEF Digital programme is part of the broader Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), a European Union program designed to support and fund infrastructure projects across Europe. 

 

The program has an allocated total budget of €33.7 billion

How can we help you?

Our team can advise you on any question you might have, so feel free to contact us, no strings attached.