The European Commission has announced a €1.3 billion investment package to deploy critical technologies across Europe through its Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) for 2025-2027.
The funding will focus on strategic technologies considered vital for Europe’s technological sovereignty, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.
A significant portion of the funding will support the development and accessibility of generative AI applications, particularly in healthcare. The initiative aligns with the broader AI Factories programme, which aims to develop AI models specifically designed for European businesses and public sector organisations.
The package also expands support for European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), a network providing technical expertise and testing facilities to help companies and public agencies adopt emerging technologies.
Funding will enhance the Destination Earth initiative, which is building a digital Earth model to support climate adaptation and disaster risk management. The Commission plans to develop a more powerful model accessible to a wider range of researchers.
Cybersecurity receives substantial attention, with solutions like the EU Cybersecurity Reserve being implemented to improve the resilience of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and submarine communication cables.
Additional priorities include developing digital skills training institutions, facilitating the EU Digital Identity Wallet architecture, and transforming public services through digital innovation.
The Commission also announced that promising projects will be eligible for the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal quality label, designed to improve their access to both public and private funding sources.
The first DIGITAL funding calls under this programme are expected to open in April 2025, with additional opportunities being published throughout the year. Businesses, public administrations, and other entities from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and countries associated with the DIGITAL programme are eligible to apply.
With a total budget of €8.1 billion under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, DIGITAL complements investments from other EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe, EU4Health, InvestEU, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
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