CEF Digital Programme Overview

European projects promoting digital connectivity and collaboration through improved public services and data sharing.

Achieving a digital Europe with high-speed internet and interconnected services for all.

The ability of countries, businesses, and citizens to exchange information seamlessly.

The gap in access to digital technologies between different groups (urban/rural, demographics).

The significant financial investment needed for upgrading infrastructure and deploying high-speed networks.

The logistical difficulties in installing fiber-optic cables and 5G networks, especially in remote areas.

Financial support from a European body for projects in telecommunications and digital technology, mainly with grant funding.

Problems stemming from regulations and bureaucracy slowing down the rollout of new technologies.

The process aims to choose the best bid for a project by evaluating bids against specific criteria to ensure public funds are used effectively and provide value for the taxpayer.

Transparency helps build trust by publicly disclosing the evaluation criteria, timelines, and rationale behind the decision.

The selection process shouldn't favor any specific technology, encouraging innovation and diverse solutions.

The selection process should allow a wide range of companies to participate, promoting fair competition and preventing monopolies.

The selection process should prioritize solutions that consider environmental impact and long-term viability.

Managing a large project with many stakeholders requires effective communication and logistics to ensure smooth collaboration.

Projects need long-term strategies for operation, maintenance, and funding to ensure continued success after initial funding.

Challenges include coordinating stakeholders, achieving ambitious goals, ensuring sustainability, navigating regulations, and addressing market failures.

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is an EU program that funds projects to improve cross-border digital infrastructure, broadband networks, and digital public services.

A document outlining the EU's goals for a digitally sovereign Europe with robust digital infrastructure and sustainability by 2030.

They work together. The White Paper sets the objectives, and the CEF provides funding to implement projects that achieve those objectives.

It's a plan that defines the EU's high-level digital goals and targets, like gigabit connectivity and 5G access.

They're digital services that facilitate cross-border collaboration, helping connect public services and data across countries.

By building secure, EU-based digital infrastructures, CEF projects reduce dependency on non-EU data providers, increasing Europe's control over its digital space.

It's a CEF-funded project that builds secure, interoperable data infrastructure for sharing data across Europe.

A CEF project that provides open and standardized digital services, making it easier for governments and businesses to offer digital services across borders.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) supports initiatives that promote using digital technologies, like e-government, e-health, and digital education.

The EIB focuses on projects that help the EU become greener and more digital, like promoting environmentally friendly infrastructure and reducing emissions.

The CEF is an EU initiative that aims to improve infrastructure across Europe, including transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

The EIB provides loans and guarantees to support CEF projects by offering long-term funding at competitive rates to encourage private investment.

The EIB's participation in CEF is crucial because it aligns with the EU's digital strategy, leverages financial resources, uses a blended finance approach, and contributes to a more interconnected Europe.

CEF is a key part of the EU's digital strategy, aiming to create a more connected and digitally advanced Europe. The EIB's involvement in CEF provides the funds needed to achieve these goals.

The EIB's large financial resources and expertise in infrastructure development are used to provide long-term loans and guarantees, making it a key partner in attracting private investment and achieving CEF's goals.

CEF uses a combination of public and private funds, and the EIB's role bridges the gap between these sources, maximizing the impact of available resources.

A situation where the market, by itself, can't provide a desired outcome (like widespread broadband access) due to specific conditions like lack of competition or high costs.

Explaining why government money is needed to help build broadband infrastructure, especially when the market isn't providing it effectively.

A European Union rule that focuses on allowing government support for fixed broadband networks, but only when market failure is proven.

A test to check if the market is working efficiently. If there are already multiple networks providing 1 Gbps speeds, it shows the market is working well.

Whether there are enough internet providers competing to keep prices low and improve services. High competition is good for consumers.

Ensuring that government funding for broadband projects leads to a significant improvement in network performance, providing real benefits for users.

The government agency responsible for deciding whether to give government money for broadband projects.

Showing why government support is necessary by proving market failure and demonstrating the benefits new broadband networks will bring.

A set of rules used to assess the legality of state aid for services of general economic interest (SGEI), ensuring they are necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory.

A project or service that does not meet the Altmark criteria for legally permissible state aid, but may still be allowed under certain conditions.

A legal provision in the EU Treaty that allows Member States to grant aid for services of general economic interest even if they don't meet the Altmark criteria, as long as they are compatible with the internal market.

A project or service must not unfairly distort competition or hinder the free movement of goods and services within the EU, even if it receives state aid.

While the Altmark criteria require strict cost-efficiency, Article 106(2) allows for more leeway if the project significantly contributes to common goals, even if it is not strictly cost-efficient.

The second condition of the Altmark criteria, requiring the service to be provided under clearly defined and transparent public service obligations, may not be strictly necessary for compatibility under Article 106(2).

The Altmark criteria focus on strict cost-efficiency and defined obligations, while Article 106(2) is more lenient, considering the broader impact and contribution to the common good.

The crucial factors for deciding compatibility under Article 106(2) are the project's characteristics, its market impact, and how it contributes to overall EU economic goals.

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is a funding program by the EU that supports projects improving cross-border digital infrastructure, broadband networks, and digital public services.

The Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) sets major targets for Europe's digital transformation by 2030, covering areas like connectivity, digital skills, public services, and business digitalization.

The DDPP outlines goals, and CEF provides the funding to achieve them. They work together to build a strong, unified digital Europe.

CEF funds projects that create secure, EU-based digital infrastructure, reducing reliance on non-EU technologies and giving Europe more control over its digital space.

CEF funds projects that expand high-speed internet and 5G networks, directly contributing to the EU's goal of achieving gigabit connectivity for all.

The goal is to achieve a Europe with fast and reliable internet access for everyone, making digital technologies accessible to all citizens and businesses.

The DDPP encourages Member States to work together on digital projects, and CEF provides the financial support to make these collaborative efforts a reality.

CEF II prioritizes long-term sustainability by considering environmental impacts and promoting energy efficiency in projects.

CEF II supports the EU's Digital Decade Policy Programme, aiming to achieve a secure, safe, and sustainable digital future for Europe by 2030.

CEF encourages private investment in infrastructure projects by providing funding, boosting overall EU economic activity.

CEF promotes the adoption of new technologies and innovative approaches in infrastructure development, fostering a more competitive and dynamic European economy.

CEF-funded projects improve connectivity, allowing businesses to expand operations, access new markets, and create jobs, boosting economic growth and competitiveness across the EU.

CEF supports high-speed broadband networks in underserved areas, reducing the digital divide and fostering social and economic inclusion.

By enhancing the EU's digital infrastructure, CEF helps the region remain competitive globally, attracting businesses and investments.

Process by which the EU Commission reviews projects using EU funds to ensure they meet EU competition rules and don't unfairly distort markets.

Projects using EU funds often involve state aid, so the EU needs to be informed to assess compliance and prevent unfair advantages.

The Commission evaluates projects based on EU competition rules, ensuring they are needed, don't harm competition, and benefit the overall market.

A type of state aid where the amount of support is small and unlikely to significantly distort the market.

State aid for projects that benefit the general economic interests of a region and are essential for a thriving economy.

Explaining why government money is needed to support a project, especially when the market doesn't provide the services effectively.

The EU Commission can either approve the state aid, allowing the project to receive funding, or reject it if it doesn't meet EU rules.

Supporting the use of digital technologies in various sectors like e-government, e-health, and digital education to improve services and efficiency.

Focusing on projects that contribute to the EU's green and digital transition by promoting environmentally friendly infrastructure and minimizing the carbon footprint.

A key document outlining how EU State aid rules apply to broadband projects, ensuring compliance with technological neutrality and non-discrimination.

Services essential for the public good that may require government support, like broadband infrastructure.

Specific requirements for State aid to be considered legal, ensuring it doesn't unfairly advantage certain companies.

Government aid should not be a substitute for private investment, ensuring companies take responsibility for development.

EU rule allowing government aid for broadband projects under certain conditions, addressing market failures.

EU rule allowing government aid for social vouchers aimed at increasing broadband access for those who need it.

Government money used to support projects, like building broadband infrastructure, especially when the market isn't doing it efficiently.