Are you looking for funding for innovative projects in AI, data, cloud, cybersecurity or developing digital skills? Then the Digital Europe Programme is interesting for you! On 28 March, the European Commission published the new work programmes for the period 2025-2027 with a total budget of €1.7 billion. Applications for the first call can be submitted from 3 April 2025.
For whom?
The Digital Europe Programme focuses on companies, knowledge institutions and government organisations involved in the development and implementation of digital technologies and services.
Main work programme
With a budget of €1.3 billion, the main work programme focuses on the following priorities:
- Stimulating international cooperation through partnerships, such as European Digital Infrastructure Consortiums (EDICs). The focus is on, among other things, generative AI, virtual worlds and energy-efficient data ecosystems.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is given a boost in sectors such as healthcare and public services. These are supported by test environments, the implementation of the AI Act and initiatives such as Destination Earth.
- Cybersecurity measures strengthen European cyber resilience, including through the EU Cybersecurity Reserve and securing the digital infrastructure in Europe.
- Digital skills and training programmes in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum ensure a future-proof and inclusive talent pool. Developing secure and efficient digital public services, with a focus on good, free mutual and cross-border cooperation and the roll-out of the EU Digital Identity Wallet.
Cybersecurity Work Programme
With a budget of €390 million, the Cybersecurity Work Programme focuses on:
- Developing and implementing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, including generative AI and reliable, secure AI models.
- Supporting cybersecurity in SMEs by improving the market readiness of solutions and stimulating their uptake by companies.
- Preparing for the transition of the public key infrastructure to post-quantum encryption, including the construction of a European test infrastructure.
- Supporting the implementation of EU legislation and regulations, such as the NIS2 Directive, the Cyber Resilience Act and the Cybersecurity Act.
- Securing critical infrastructures, such as hospitals and submarine cables.
- Developing cybersecurity capacities and skills of organisations and individuals, and increasing awareness of cybersecurity.
When to apply?
Applications for the first call ('consolidation of the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs') will be open to the European Commission from 3 April 2025. The remaining topics in the first series of calls will be open on 15 April 2025.
