In our previous article published in ESPORG’s website, we explored how the 2026 CEF Transport Reflow Calls could benefit Safe and Secure Parking Areas (SSPAs). Since then, further clarification has emerged regarding SSPA eligibility under the Military Mobility Call and the EXTBORDER topic.
- SSPAs Under the Military Mobility Call
Under the CEF Transport Military Mobility Call, safe and secure parking areas (SSPAs) for trucks and commercial vehicles can be supported.
The objective of this call is to develop dual-use transport infrastructure on both the TEN-T and Military Mobility networks. To be deemed eligible; projects must:
- Address both civilian and defence needs;
- Be located on the TEN-T and the EU military mobility network (established in November 2018, last updated in March 2025);
- Priority is given to projects on the four EU military mobility priority corridors and those located in two or more Member States;
- Comply with the infrastructure requirements outlined in Implementing Regulation 2021/1328.
In general applicants, including those whose project involves an SSPA, must demonstrate how their infrastructure contributes to civilian-defence dual use and, facilities and infrastructure supported under CEF must also be accessible for use by all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.
Most importantly, to be eligible for this call, SSPAs must be certified according to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012 and the project must justify the utility of the SSPA for the functioning of the network.
2. SSPAs Under the EXTBORDER Topic
Under the CEF Transport EXTBORDER topic, the upgrading of parking areas for trucks and commercial vehicles can also be supported. This includes measures aligned with EU requirements on SSPAs and certification in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012.
However, applicants must justify the utility of the upgraded SSPA for the border crossing point and demonstrate how it facilitates traffic flows at the Union’s external border.
3. The importance of EU Parking Standard certification: Europe’s Legal Framework for Secure Truck Parking and Supply Chain Resilience
Once again, this clearly demonstrates the need for an EU-wide standard to ensure the safety and security of parking areas, as laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012.
The Regulation defines minimum quality and service requirements (such as sanitary facilities, access to food and water, and reliable information) and four security tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum – with detailed rules on surveillance, lighting, perimeter protection and access control.
As a harmonised EU standard, it provides the common reference framework required for CEF support and guarantees a consistent minimum level of safety and service across the EU.
The fact that both the Military Mobility Call and the CEF Transport EXTBORDER topic explicitly refer to certification under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012 underscores that the EU Parking standard and its legal certification scheme is the recognised reference for developing high-quality truck parking infrastructure. Certification under the EU Parking Standard is therefore no longer simply a mark of excellence, but a strategic EU recognition for project promoters seeking EU financial support.
Moreover, the deployment of certified SSPAs contributes to several key EU policy objectives. It enhances driver safety and wellbeing, combats cargo theft and organised crime, supports compliance with drivers’ working and resting time rules, improves the resilience of European supply chains, and strengthens the efficiency and security of the TEN-T network. At the same time, it ensures that investments made through EU funding programmes deliver consistent standards and long-term value across the Union.
As future CEF Transport calls continue to emphasise network resilience, interoperability and security, alignment with the legal EU certification framework for SSPAs becomes even more significant.
Interested in exploring these opportunities for your SSPA project? Contact us at info@esporg.eu to discuss how your project can align with these funding opportunities!
