Launched under the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021–2027, the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) stands as the European Union’s strategic initiative to boost technological sovereignty, accelerate digital transformation, and enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the global digital landscape.
The Digital Europe Programme: at a glance
With a total budget of €7.6 billion, the programme is focused on five key areas:
- High Performance Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Advanced Digital Skills
- Ensuring the wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society
To date, hundreds of projects across the EU and associated countries have been funded, targeting everything from AI innovation and data spaces to cybersecurity resilience and digital public services.
The 2025–2027 Work Programme represents the final phase of this funding cycle and is designed to solidify, scale, and sustain the achievements made in previous calls, while launching new priorities like Generative AI (GenAI), virtual worlds, and the European Digital Identity Wallet.
What’s funded and who is it for?
The programme funds a wide variety of projects—from AI-based diagnostics and cybersecurity training to cross-border data infrastructure and advanced digital skills academies. For that, the programme is open to:
- Businesses, from innovative SMEs to large corporations.
- Public sector bodies, including municipalities, ministries, hospitals, and schools.
- Research institutions and non-profit organizations working on digital transformation.
- Consortia of organizations collaborating across borders.
A look into the Digital Europe Work Programme 2025–2027
The final Work Programme is sharply aligned with EU political priorities such as tech sovereignty, AI leadership, cybersecurity, the green and digital transition, and data-driven innovation.
For these years, Digital Europe allocates €1.3 billion to finance actions addressing the following objectives:
- Supporting AI factories in the framework of the EC EuroHPC with energy efficient supercomputers.
- Boost the Destination Earth initiative for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.
- Deploy secure and energy-efficient data spaces for AI development across the EU.
- Accelerate the adoption of AI, including generative AI, AI in healthcare and the implementation of the AI Act.
- Strengthen the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) to support digital transformation.
- Increase cybersecurity resilience of critical infrastructure, including global communications.
- Improve digital education and training to attract and foster technological talent.
- Develop high-quality, interoperable digital public services.
- Implement the EU Digital Identity Wallet and promote its business applications.
- Support the development and commercialization of semiconductors under InvestEU.
- Encourage transnational digital projects and introduce the STEP label for funding integration.
Calls for proposals in 2025
The 2025-2027 Digital Europe WP foresees four rounds of calls for proposals, with the first one launching on April 15, 2025, and closing on September 2. This first round of calls aims to finance key initiatives in AI, cloud-to-edge infrastructure, digital skills, and online safety, with a total indicative budget of €310 million.
In AI and cloud-to-edge, funding will support the Alliance on Processors and Semiconductor Technologies, Data Spaces Support Centre, and AI-driven regulatory compliance solutions, among others. A major focus is on consolidating the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), with €170 million allocated, including support for newly associated countries. Additionally, €27 million will fund sectoral digital skills academies, while €42 million is earmarked for the Network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). Fact-checking efforts will also receive €5 million.
This initial investment sets the foundation for strengthening Europe’s digital infrastructure, AI adoption, and cybersecurity.
Turning ideas into action
If you have a project idea that aligns with the objectives of Digital Europe, now is the perfect moment to start shaping it. With the next calls opening on April 15th, strategic planning will be key to securing funding.
At Inneürope, we specialize in EU funding applications, offering end-to-end support—from defining your project concept to drafting compelling proposals and assembling strong consortia. Whether you need guidance on proposal writing or help finding the right partners, our expertise ensures your project stands out.
Explore our company profile, and visit our website to learn more about our services and collaboration opportunities.
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