Which of the following focus areas receives the smallest budget from CEF?

The focus area that receives the smallest budget from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is telecommunications. This is due to the allocation priorities set by the CEF, which emphasizes transport and energy infrastructure as critical areas for the development of a connected Europe. Transport and energy projects often require substantial investments due to their large-scale impact on the economy and integration of infrastructure across member states.

Telecommunications, while important for connectivity, typically involves smaller-scale projects that do not demand the same level of funding as the extensive networks needed for transport and energy. Research and development also may receive significant investment related to innovation and technological advancements. Hence, telecommunications receives the smallest share, reflecting the funding strategy that prioritizes projects with the most substantial impacts on EU connectivity and integration.