The European Union is accelerating its ambition to transform transport and mobility through a new wave of funding focused on alternative fuels infrastructure. Under the latest round of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), 70 projects have been selected to receive grants totalling more than €600 million. The funding will support the deployment of electric recharging stations, hydrogen refuelling points, on-shore power supply at ports and the electrification of ground handling services at airports.

Across the European transport network, this means: installation of over 1,000 fast-charging points for light vehicles, about 2,000 charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles, and hundreds of ultra-fast chargers with 1 MW output. In addition, 38 hydrogen refuelling stations will serve cars, buses and trucks, while 24 maritime ports will receive upgrades, including electrified port services and ammonia/methanol bunkering facilities aimed at decarbonising shipping. Sixteen European airports will also benefit, replacing diesel-powered ground operations with electric ones.

This large-scale investment matters for Europe’s tourism industry for several reasons. First, improved electric and hydrogen mobility will make travel across borders, between cities, airports, and tourist regions cleaner and more sustainable — appealing to travellers increasingly concerned with environmental impact. Second, electrified ports and green maritime infrastructure will support sustainable cruise, ferry and coastal tourism, reducing emissions in popular coastal and island destinations. Third, cleaner ground transport and airport services will reduce the carbon footprint of tourists’ journeys, supporting a shift toward more responsible travel practices. Finally, by strengthening infrastructure across the EU, the funding helps enable seamless cross-border travel — a key enabler for pan-European tourism, business trips, and cultural exchange.

With this initiative, the EU underscores its commitment to sustainable mobility and the transition to a low-carbon, climate-friendly tourism ecosystem. The investment is not only a milestone for transport policy, but also a foundational step toward aligning European mobility, tourism, and environmental goals for the coming decade.

#Green transportation options #Mobility #Low-emission vehicles #Public transportation #Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism