The European Commission’s main goal is to ensure Europe remains at the forefront of the global digital economy. Thus, to strengthen its digital and technological capabilities, a major investment of €140 million was announced to advance the digital transformation of Europe. This investment, made available under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), aims to promote the rollout of Artificial Intelligence (AI), foster advanced digital skills, expand the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), and combat disinformation.
The funding will be distributed across four new calls, each focused on a critical area of digital transformation:
1. Generative AI in Public Administration and Agri-Food Sector (€55 million)
A significant portion of the funding, €55 million, will be dedicated to integrating generative AI into public administration and the agri-food sector. This will help these industries leverage AI technologies to improve efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the Alliance on Processors and Semiconductor Technologies. Additionally, the development of data spaces will enable better management and sharing of data across sectors.
2. Advanced Digital Skills (€27 million)
To address the growing demand for digital expertise, €27 million will be allocated to establish four new digital skills academies. These academies will focus on advanced fields such as quantum computing, AI, and virtual worlds, ensuring that the European workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead in the digital age.
This initiative is part of the EU’s effort to strengthen its talent pipeline through the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform. In the same direction, there was a two-day event co-organised by LEADSx2030 and the DIGITAL Europe Programme in Luxembourg, highlighting the importance of such coordinated efforts to shape Europe’s digital future (read more).
3. Expansion of the EDIH Network (€11 million)
Another €11 million will be invested in expanding the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), particularly in associated countries. These hubs provide vital support to SMEs and public sector organisations in their digital transformation journeys. The funding will also reinforce the focus on AI applications, further strengthening the EU's technological infrastructure.
4. Fighting Disinformation and Promoting Safer Internet (€47 million)
In an effort to counter disinformation, €47 million will be allocated to support the roll-out and best use of new digital technologies. A portion of this, €5 million, will fund the creation of a European Network of Fact-Checkers, which will help safeguard the integrity of online information.
Key initiatives under this action include a fact-checker protection scheme against harassment, a repository of fact-checks and a fact-checking emergency response capability. This measure is part of the EU’s broader commitment to democracy and digital resilience, and aligns with President Ursula von der Leyen’s political guidelines for 2024–2029.
Supporting the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP)
The calls for advanced digital skills and the EDIH network contribute directly to the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). This initiative aims to strengthen the development and manufacturing of critical technologies, reduce dependency on non-European countries and foster a competitive, resilient digital ecosystem across Europe.
The Path Ahead
These calls, which close on 2 September 2025, represent the first set of funding opportunities under the 2025–2027 DIGITAL Work Programme. This new phase of the programme focuses on deploying innovative next-generation technologies across Europe to support economic growth, technological innovation and global competitiveness.
For further details on the calls and the application process, visit the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
