The European Commission is taking a big step forward in the tech world with its Digital Europe Programme for 2025-2027. With a substantial budget of €1.3 billion, this initiative is all about boosting Europe’s digital capabilities across various sectors like businesses and public administrations. This is the EU’s first funding program dedicated to weaving digital technologies into our everyday lives, playing a key role in Europe’s journey towards digital transformation.
This programme is part of the larger Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027), which has a total of €8.1 billion earmarked for such efforts. It works alongside other EU funding schemes, including Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe Facility. The first round of proposal calls is set to kick off in April 2025, with more opportunities rolling out throughout the year.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, highlighted the strategic importance of this investment. She said, “Securing European tech sovereignty starts with investing in advanced technologies and in making it possible for people to improve their digital competencies. With the opportunities under the Digital Europe Programme, we are ensuring that new technologies – and with them new potential – reach European citizens, businesses and public administrations.”
Key initiatives within this programme focus on artificial intelligence (AI), with an emphasis on promoting generative AI applications and energy-efficient data spaces. These initiatives support the AI Factories project, which is all about developing sophisticated AI models for both business and public use.
Moreover, the programme aims to strengthen the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) network, offering vital technical expertise and training across industries to keep Europe competitive on the global stage.
The Destination Earth initiative, designed to create a digital Earth model for climate adaptation and disaster management, will also see significant funding. This will enhance its simulation capabilities, making it more accessible for research.
Cybersecurity is another critical focus area, with investments in solutions like the EU Cybersecurity Reserve to protect vital infrastructure, including hospitals and submarine cables.
Enhancing digital skills across Europe is a fundamental goal, fostering talent development to ensure a workforce that’s ready for the digital age.
Additionally, the programme supports the EU Digital Identity Wallet, promoting seamless digital identification across member states, and aims to digitize public services to offer efficient and user-friendly solutions.
Finally, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) will play a crucial role by awarding the STEP Seal quality label, enhancing access to funding for promising projects.
The Digital Europe Programme is a cornerstone in Europe’s tech ecosystem, promoting AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills to pave the way for a resilient and innovative future.
