Recovery and Resilience Facility: Transport Investments Analysis
The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) is the largest European funding instrument ever created, with over €85.5 billion allocated for sustainable mobility measures. Its primary goal is to accelerate Europe’s green and digital transitions while supporting local public transport.
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of investment practices and implementation trends across EU Member States.
Implementation of Transport Measures
Timely implementation is critical to maximise the benefits of RRF investments. However, progress varies across Member States.
The implementation of measures outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) varies across the EU, with some Member States on track to meet their targets, while others are experiencing delays.
Transport measures, often long-term investments, are particularly vulnerable to delays.
Diverse Approaches to Urban Mobility in EU Member States’ Recovery Plans
Member States incorporated local public transport and urban mobility in a variety of ways. Some Member States have decided to allocate their entire sustainable mobility budget to urban mobility, for example Ireland (all 14 milestones and targets) and Latvia (all 11 milestones and targets).
Other countries allocate a significant proportion of their sustainable mobility initiatives to urban mobility, with Portugal, Romania, Belgium and Estonia being notable examples.
Finally, a number of Member States have devised National Plans with a view to leveraging alternative investment opportunities.
Benchmarking Urban Mobility Investments in EU Member States through the RRF
Benchmarking the share of urban mobility measures within overall sustainable mobility initiatives helps compare Member States, including the funding allocated to local public transport. Using Commission Staff Working Documents, we determined how much each Member State invests in urban mobility through the RRF.
The RRF’s experience offers key lessons for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034). With €85.5 billion invested in sustainable mobility, it has shown the transformative potential of large-scale, performance-driven EU funding, especially for local public transport.
To maximise impact in the future, stronger governance, clearer links between funds and results, improved transparency, and enhanced local engagement will be essential for a resilient, equitable, and outcome-oriented EU budget.
