The European Commission has announced its ambitious Digital European Programme (Digital) work plan for 2025-2027, allocating 1.3 billion euros to support the deployment of strategically important technologies.
The initiative aims to strengthen European technological sovereignty and enhance the digital capabilities of businesses, government and key sectors as a whole.
As the first EU funding programme dedicated to integrating digital technology into everyday life, digital plays a key role in shaping the digital transformation of Europe.
Under the current multi-year financial framework (2021-2027), the total budget is 8.1 billion euros, and the programme complements other EU funding initiatives, including Horizon Europe, EU4Health, InvesteU and Connecting Europe facilities.
The initial request for proposals under the 2025-2027 Digital Work Programme is expected to commence in April 2025, with additional funding opportunities available throughout the year.
Henna Wilkunen, vice-president of high-tech sovereignty, security and democracy, commented:
“Opportunities under the Digital Europe program ensure that new technologies reach European citizens, businesses and administrative offices.
Key priorities for the Digital Europe Program
The 2025-2027 Digital Work Program focuses on several high-priority areas that drive technological advancement and economic growth. Key initiatives include:
Promoting artificial intelligence
The central focus of the program is improving availability and adoption of generated AI applications. Funds will be directed to testing immersive digital environments, implementing AI laws and developing energy-efficient data spaces.
These initiatives support AI factory projects aimed at creating advanced AI models for businesses and public institutions.
Strengthening of European Digital Innovation Hub (eddy)
The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIHS) network continues to provide technical expertise, training and access to cutting-edge digital technologies to enterprises and public sector organizations.
The initiative promotes AI integration across multiple industries and ensures that Europe remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Enhanced climate adaptation by destination Earth
Funds will be allocated to expand the award-winning Destination Earth initiative. This will build a digital model of the planet to help with climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
This investment aims to develop more powerful simulation models that are accessible to a wider range of researchers and institutions.
Improved cyber resilience and security
Cybersecurity will become a top priority, and Digital will fund initiatives to enhance cyber resilience in the EU.
The programme supports cybersecurity solutions such as EU Cybersecurity Reserves that enhance protection of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and submarine cables.
Developing digital skills across Europe
Digital aims to enhance digital education and training across EU institutions. By investing in advanced digital skills, the program will develop talent, enhance expertise in the European workforce, and ensure long-term technical competitiveness.
Promoting EU Digital Identity Wallets
The initiative promotes the implementation of EU Digital Identity Wallets and European Trust Infrastructure, ensuring seamless digital identification and authentication across member countries.
Transform public services through digitalization
The program will drive digital transformation of public services by developing high-quality, efficient, interoperable digital solutions. This allows the government to be streamlined by citizens and businesses, providing safe and user-friendly services.
The role of steps
Innovation within the Digital Europe programme will be further accelerated through Strategic Technology for Europe (STEP).
The platform awards the Step Seal Quality Label to promising projects, increasing access to public and private funding opportunities.
Strengthening of European technological ecosystems
Digital Europe’s programme is at the forefront of European technological transformation, ensuring cutting-edge digital solutions are accessible and widely implemented.
By promoting AI adoption, strengthening cybersecurity and improving digital skills, the EU is paving the way for a more resilient, innovative, and digitally advanced future.
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