The European Commission has announced a €1.3 billion investment to drive forward critical digital technologies essential for Europe’s future and technological sovereignty. This funding, allocated through the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) for 2025-2027, will support key initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital skills.

Key Priorities of the DIGITAL Work Programme

The newly adopted work programme prioritizes the development and deployment of cutting-edge digital solutions. Key areas of focus include:

1. Advancing AI Adoption Across Sectors

Enhancing accessibility and availability of generative AI applications, particularly in healthcare and public administration.
Investing in ‘virtual worlds’ to test immersive AI-driven environments.
Supporting the AI Act’s implementation and the development of energy-efficient common data spaces.
Strengthening the AI Factories initiative to foster AI models tailored for business and government use.

2. Supporting European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

Expanding a network of innovation hubs that offer companies and public institutions technical expertise, technology testing, training, and advisory services.
Encouraging widespread AI adoption among European enterprises and government bodies.

3. Enhancing Climate Resilience Through Digital Modelling

Further developing the Destination Earth initiative, which builds a digital replica of the planet to support climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
Expanding access to high-powered Earth simulations for research and policy planning.

4. Strengthening Cyber Resilience

Investing in EU Cybersecurity Reserve solutions to enhance the security of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and submarine communication cables.

5. Boosting Digital Skills and Talent Development

Empowering EU educational and training institutions to nurture digital talent.
Enhancing advanced digital skills across the European workforce to meet industry demands.

6. Developing Secure Digital Identity and Trust Infrastructure

Facilitating the implementation of the EU Digital Identity Wallet architecture.
Strengthening the European Trust Infrastructure and encouraging adoption among Member States.

7. Modernizing Public Sector Digital Services

Driving the digital transformation of public administration with high-quality, interoperable digital services.

Accelerating Innovation Through STEP

To further boost technological innovation, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) will provide promising projects with the STEP Seal quality label, increasing their visibility and chances of securing public and private funding.

Next Steps & Funding Opportunities

The first DIGITAL calls for proposals will be released in April 2025, with additional funding rounds throughout the year. Interested businesses, public administrations, and other eligible entities from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and associated nations can apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

About the DIGITAL Programme

DIGITAL is the EU’s first funding programme exclusively dedicated to bringing digital technologies to businesses and citizens. With an overall budget of €8.1 billion (2021-2027), it plays a crucial role in Europe’s digital transformation.

By focusing on the deployment of digital solutions, DIGITAL complements other EU investment initiatives, including Horizon Europe, EU4Health, InvestEU, the Connecting Europe Facility, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

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