EU Structural Funds

National guides

Never before has there been such an opportunity to obtain significant EU funds for cycling investments as now. ECF has prepared 27 country-specific guides to ensure local and regional authorities do not miss this chance.

We encourage you to include pro-cycling objectives in the programming documents for the new European Regional Development Fund. In this Guide you will find the information about the benefits of cycling investments for your country and all the necessary knowledge on how to unlock the necessary resources from EU funds.

The ultimate goal of this Guide is to support authorities responsible for drafting programming documents and citizens interested in dynamic and sustainable development of their regions on their way to obtaining substantial European funding for excellent and beneficial cycling investments.
 

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria, български
• Croatia, Hrvatski
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic, čeština
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece,Ελληνικά
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy, Italiano 
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Poland, Polska
• Portugal
• Romania, Română
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain, Español
• Sweden

Cycling offers effective solutions to economic and environmental challenges. Boost your chances of securing EU funding for cycling initiatives with these tips:

For citizens, NGOs, or industry representatives:
 

• Participate actively in public consultations about programming documents.
• If no information about public consultation is available – contact the authorities responsible for the preparation of programming documents and ask how you can influence their content. To identify relevant authorities, you can research who prepared the partnership agreement and operational or regional development programmes for the previous financial period.
• Associate with others who share your goals and values. In a group, your voice is heard better.
• Find allies among many stakeholders. Show that the support for cycling is strong among all groups in society.
• Spread the knowledge about health, environment and economic benefits of cycling among your family, friends and colleagues. Share this guide with anyone who may find it useful

For national/regional authorities:
 

• Actively engage in the preparation of programming documents and inspire colleagues with a vision for dynamic, sustainable development in your region.
• Be bold in proposing ideas that can help your country or region stand out across Europe.
• Learn from countries that have successfully invested in cycling. For expert advice, feel free to contact us – our mission is to connect cycling planning experts with ambitious decision-makers.
• Consult relevant stakeholders and seek guidance from local cycling NGOs on planned investments.
• Use available investment overviews at the national or regional level to create projects that address infrastructure gaps.
• Listen to the needs, hopes, and concerns of local residents, particularly regarding traffic, noise, and pollution, which are common issues, especially in urban areas.

For regional policy at the European level:
 

• Encourage Member States to include sustainable transport objectives, including cycling, in their programming documents.
• Highlight the EU's commitment to achieving Green Deal goals and direct Member States’ focus on how investments in zero-emission mobility can help meet set targets.
• Raise awareness among Member States about the importance of implementing country-specific recommendations, particularly in sustainable transport.
• Emphasise that the European Commission takes nations' obligations under their National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP) seriously.
• Share successful measures from countries that have excelled in meeting European climate goals.
• Draw attention to the increased investment in cycling infrastructure during the pandemic and its beneficial impact in reducing virus transmission.