In late March the European Commission unveiled the Work Programme for the 2025-2027 Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), which is part of the broader 2030 Digital Compass and the Path to the Digital Decade policy initiative. This effort, backed by a budget of €1.3 billion, aims to bolster Europe’s digital capabilities across critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and data infrastructure, cybersecurity, advanced computing, and semiconductors. It also seeks to address contemporary challenges related to technological sovereignty, democracy, and security, contributing to key initiatives like the Chips Act, the AI Act, and the AI Innovation Package.
The Digital Europe Programme is designed to position the European Union as a leader in AI-driven innovation, supporting the development, integration, and adoption of AI technologies to enable businesses and public institutions to fully leverage AI’s potential in enhancing their operations and services. Among the Programme’s core objectives is the creation of AI Factories, the integration of advanced, energy-efficient supercomputers, and the promotion of the Destination Earth initiative, which focuses on climate adaptation and disaster management. Also, to foster large-scale AI deployment, DIGITAL will direct investments to European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), which will be instrumental in assisting both private and public organizations. These hubs will offer comprehensive support in implementing AI-driven solutions, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic digital landscape. Other key elements of the initiative are the advancement of the Digital Identity Wallet architecture, contributing to the creation of a European Trust Infrastructure -designed to provide secure and seamless digital identification for European citizens, businesses, and public services, thereby increasing efficiency and trust in digital transactions – and the focus on cybersecurity resilience and the creation of a skilled workforce capable of navigating and safeguarding Europe’s digital future. The initiative also seeks to promote the semiconductor industry and encourage cross-border cooperation through multi-country projects and European Digital Infrastructure Consortia, further accelerating digital transformation across the continent.
The forthcoming DIGITAL calls -open to businesses, public administrations, other eligible entities from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries and associated nations- are scheduled for release in April 2025, with additional calls to be published throughout the remainder of the year.
For further information on DIGITAL, consult the official programme.
Source: INSME Secretariat
