The European Commission has officially adopted the Work Programme 2025–2027 of the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). The final work programme under the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2021–2027) consolidates previous initiatives while introducing new actions aligned with the EU’s evolving political priorities, notably around tech sovereignty, AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills.
With a dedicated budget of €1.3 billion, the work programme prioritises the deployment of critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, data spaces, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced digital skills development. These investments are designed to reinforce Europe’s technological independence and capacity to compete globally, especially in light of geopolitical and digital security challenges.
Consolidating the Digital Decade
The work programme continues to advance the vision set out in the EU’s 2030 Digital Compass, the Path to the Digital Decade and A Competitiveness Compass for the EU. It reflects growing ambitions to make Europe a world leader in the development, adoption and governance of digital technologies. The plan also supports key legislative milestones such as the AI Act, the Chips Act, the Cyber Resilience Act, the Interoperable Europe Act, and the forthcoming Apply AI Strategy.
The importance of AI and cybersecurity
A major focus of the new programme is the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly Generative AI. Funding will support the integration of GenAI into testing environments ("virtual worlds"), its use in the health sector, and the development of AI Factories that combine data, cloud infrastructure, and computing power to fuel innovation in both public and private sectors. These actions go hand-in-hand with the EU’s efforts to implement the AI Act and ensure that Europe remains a leading, trustworthy hub for cutting-edge AI.
In light of increasing cyber threats (exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine), cybersecurity is now treated as a foundational pillar of Europe’s digital agenda. This Work Programme introduces the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, a coordinated EU response mechanism for major cyber incidents, and supports the Cyber Resilience Act’s single reporting platform for cyber vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the Cybersecurity Skills Academy will be further developed to equip professionals across Member States to meet rising security demands.
Skills and inclusion for a digital future
Europe’s digital ambitions require people with the right skills. This programme aims to significantly increase the number of ICT specialists (especially women and underrepresented groups) by supporting specialised higher education and launching four new Digital Skills Academies in strategic areas: quantum, AI/GenAI, semiconductors, and virtual worlds.
It also continues to support the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), a network providing localised support to SMEs and public authorities for digital adoption, training, and technology testing. Most hubs now offer services around AI and GenAI.
Coordinated investments and the STEP Seal
Many of the initiatives fall under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). Promising projects can receive the STEP Seal, a quality label that facilitates access to additional EU or national funding, including through InvestEU, Horizon Europe, and cohesion policy funds.
What’s next?
The first calls for proposals under the new DIGITAL work programme are expected soon. For the latest information on deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply, visit the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
“Securing European tech sovereignty starts with investing in advanced technologies and in making it possible for people to improve their digital competences. 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.”
— Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
🔗 Read the official Work Programme 2025–2027
