Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Works

The grant supports the deployment or significant upgrade of backbone networks—including submarine cables, terrestrial backbone networks, and satellite infrastructure—to address risks, vulnerabilities, and dependencies in the EU backbone infrastructure. Projects aim to improve security, resilience, and connectivity within the EU and with third countries, bridging the digital divide and ensuring widespread access to Gigabit networks. The impact includes strengthened network quality and capacity that benefits all EU end-users and businesses.

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Agency	CEF (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company, Government organization, NGO, Other
Start date	17 Mar 2026
End date	30 Jun 2026
Max funding	Not explicitly specified; depends on project scope and available budget.
Budget	180,000,000 EUR for 2026
Coverage	Not specified; depends on project and evaluation. See call document for details.

Grant application conditions

Eligible Applicants	Entities eligible under the CEF call, including companies, government organizations, NGOs, and other legal entities as detailed in the call document.
Geographic Coverage	Projects must connect at least two EU Member States; connect a Member State with its islands, outermost regions, or overseas countries/territories; or connect one or more Member States with third countries (accession/neighbourhood countries), directly or indirectly.
Network Requirements	Projects must address a market failure in at least one of the following: route lacks redundancy; existing infrastructure cannot satisfy current/future demand; or route is regulated as non-competitive and project will increase competition and offer wholesale access under fair and non-discriminatory conditions. Only EU-controlled infrastructures are considered for market failure assessment.
Project Scope	Deployment or significant upgrade of backbone network infrastructure (submarine cables, terrestrial backbone, satellite). Proposed project must be self-standing, providing connectivity to users. If additional segments are required, the proposal must commit and provide a sound financing plan for the entire network.
Technological Justification and Supply Chain Security	Applicants may choose any technological solution (submarine cables, terrestrial backbone, satellite). Applicants must justify their technological choice and explain how they will ensure supply chain security for all project phases.
Submission Requirements	Proposals (including annexes and supporting documents) must be submitted using the dedicated Submission System. Application includes: Application Form (Part A and B), detailed budget table per WP, timetable (Gantt chart), letter of support/MS agreement, ownership control declaration, security compliance declaration, business plan and financial spreadsheet. Additional documents may be required as detailed in the call document.
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS-WORKS

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements