2021 marks the beginning of the new 7-year Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union. The European Cyclists' Federation releases today 27 country-specific guides to help local and regional authorities navigate through the EU Structural Funds. The "Unlocking EU Funds For Cycling Investments" report will help them gain access to the European funding available and make Europe a cycling superpower. You can access these guides here.

Read more about EU funds for cycling on our dedicated page: EU Funds for Cycling | ECF

Opportunities for cycle investments are plentiful and could reach as much as 6 billion Euro during the next EU budget 2021 – 2027, if past growth trends continue. During the 2014-2020 budget, the EU has invested about 2 billion EUR in cycling, almost three times more than during the previous funding period (700 million EUR in 2007 – 2013). But the 2 billion EUR still only represents about 2.5% of the EU total investments in the transport sector. By comparison: Ireland will invest 10% of the total transport capital budget on cycling. However, as 30% of the future European Regional Development Fund and 37% of the Cohesion Fund must support climate action, proposals for good cycle projects should be evaluated very positively.

"This is an unprecedented turning point for Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with completely new challenges. Our response must help us achieve the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal. It was agreed that at least 30% of the EU budget must be allocated to climate policies: in this guide, you will find all the necessary knowledge to make this new financial framework work for you."

- Jill Warren, co-CEO of the European Cyclists'  Federation

This Guide explores the opportunities for cycling in the new EU budget 2021 – 2027 as well as the relevant European regulations and processes. The guide also identifies several good practice examples both of concrete investments in cycle projects as well as of references to cycling in programming documents. The guide comes in 27 country versions – one for each EU Member State – as EU funds have to address certain economic and fiscal challenges that the Commission has identified separately for each country (the so-called country-specific recommendations in the European Semester). Chapter 5 of each country guide showcases what specific challenges in the national transport system have to be addressed. 

"The ECF believes that bold and visionary investments in cycling transport and tourism are the best way to achieve the above goals and trigger dynamic economic growth of regions, while respecting the natural environment as well as health and well-being of citizens."

- Morten Kabell, co-CEO of the European Cyclists'  Federation

"We need authorities' active cooperation. I hope they will feel inspired by the ECF country guide, develop a good cycle project, and unlock EU funds for cycling. Their long-time aspiration to build a network of cycle highways, a touristic route or a bike-sharing scheme might come true thanks to the help of EU Structural Funds. Go for it." 

- Fabian Küster, Senior Policy Officer at the European Cyclists' Federation and main author of the report