External Borders: studies, works or mixed

Objective

The objective of this call is to modernise transport infrastructure on the TEN-T network with the purpose of facilitating traffic flows for rail and road transport at border control areas at the Union external border of the TEN-T network.

Scope

Works and / or studies related to:

Projects, targeting only the transport infrastructure, which will inter alia improve the rail and road connections to the border crossing points, as well as parking lines and spaces related to the border controls.

Support will be given to rail projects facilitating traffic flows at the TEN-T Border Crossing Points (BCPs) including as regards interoperability.

Support will also be given to the upgrade of parking spaces for trucks, of waiting areas and of road lane capacity from the parking spaces to the border control points and between them, provided that it facilitates traffic flows at the Union external border.

Border check equipment and facilities cannot be supported, in principle, as a stand-alone project. However, certain border check equipment, such as smart IT solutions which facilitate and/or accelerate border checks and alleviate congestion at border crossing points, or fixed devices integrated into the transport infrastructure, may be supported in case they form part of a wider project concerning the adaptation of transport infrastructure. Mobile equipment cannot be supported.

Administrative buildings, storage and warehouse facilities, as well as parking facilities for border officers cannot be supported.

Priority will be given to the upgrading of existing border crossing points to allow the implementation of coordinated bi-directional controls.

Priority will be given to projects located on the TEN-T European Transport Corridors.

Where appropriate, the applicants should ensure coordination with relevant Interreg Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance - Cross-Border Cooperation programmes.

In case a proposal combines studies and works components, these must address different sections / activities.

Facilities and infrastructure supported under CEF must be accessible for use by all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.