Urban mobility projects supported by the Public Sector Loan Facility (PSLF)

The Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) is part of the European Green Deal Investment Plan. The JTM consists of three pillars to ensure a transition to a climate-neutral economy, one of which is the Public Sector Loan Facility (PSLF).

The PSLF is an instrument designed to help regions mitigate the social and economic impacts of the transition by supporting communities reliant on carbon-intensive industries. It also funds projects that promote social, economic, and environmental development. Funding under this mechanism is available to all Member States.

Projects submitted in response to calls for proposals are selected for funding by the European Commission (EC). Several urban mobility projects across Member States have received support from the PSLF. Each of these projects plays an important role in contributing to sustainable mobility within the Member State. 

Below we highlight the relevant projects funded in France, the Czech Republic and Poland between 2023 and 2024:

France 

• Extension of the tramway line in South North Marseille (phase 1): This project will extend the North-South tram line by 6.2 km, while also investing in the surrounding landscape and infrastructure. The goal is to increase public transport use in the city and reduce private vehicle reliance.
• MEL in GREEN Mobility: The European Investment Bank (EIB) and EC have provided EUR 276 million to support sustainable mobility in Métropole Européenne de Lille. This multifaceted project provides funding for various segments of public transport infrastructure, including clean vehicle trams and buses. It also supports the Métropole’s ambitious cycling plan, adding 220 km of cycling infrastructure between 2023 and 2027 to improve cyclist safety. The project aims to influence user behaviour by making public transport more attractive.
• Sustainable Transport Infrastructure in Nantes: This project supports investment in public transport infrastructure in the Nantes region. It focuses on multiple transport modes by:
  • Upgrading and renovating three tram lines;
  • Renewing the tram fleet (46 new vehicles), constructing a technical and operational centre, and creating a multimodal relay/exchange hub;
  • Developing 38 km of cycling paths.

The Czech Republic

• Usti nad Labem Public Transportation: The city of Usti nad Labem will receive a EUR 0.4 million grant for the purchase and installation of LED street lighting. The funds will also support the construction of a sustainable building for trolleybus drivers, aiming to improve energy efficiency in the public transport provider's operations.
• Renovation of the historical part of Podmokly (stage D): The city of Děčín will receive a grant to revitalise the historical Podmokly neighbourhood. This includes reconstructing roads and pavements to promote active mobility in the city centre.          
• Modernisation of selected parts of railway infrastructure in the Usti and Labem Region: Selected parts of the Czech national railway will benefit from investment, including the construction of noise barriers, a flyover, and the reconstruction of a railway bridge.

Poland

• Dabrowa Gornicza Sustainable Development: This project will support investment in Dąbrowa Górnicza by improving public municipal infrastructure and increasing energy efficiency in public buildings.

To be eligible for PSLF funding, applicants must be legal entities (public bodies or private entities entrusted with a public service mission) established in an EU Member State. Projects may cover a wide range of sustainability topics, but proposals must include indicators demonstrating a measurable impact on social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Several application deadlines are available, with the next one on 16 January 2025 at 17:00 CET. You can find more information here.

Author: Francesca Bracci

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.