The European Commission has launched a new funding stage through the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), opening four calls for proposals worth a total of €140 million. This strategic investment aims to accelerate the deployment of essential digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), develop the advanced digital skills needed for the future, expand the pan-European network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), and intensify efforts to combat online disinformation.
This is the first set of calls for proposals under the new DIGITAL Work Programme for 2025-2027, underlining the European Union’s commitment to supporting the deployment of next-generation innovative technologies across the continent.
Funding Priorities and Specific Allocations
The €140 million funding is strategically distributed to address multiple facets of the digital transformation:
- Artificial Intelligence and Related Technologies (€55 million): A significant portion of the budget will be directed towards introducing generative AI solutions in public administration and the agrifood sector. The funds will also support regulatory compliance, the Alliance for Processors and Semiconductor Technologies, and the development of European data spaces.
- Advanced Digital Skills (€27 million): To meet the growing need for specialists in cutting-edge technological fields, €27 million will fund the establishment of four new digital skills academies. These will focus on critical areas such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and virtual worlds, contributing to training a workforce prepared for digital challenges.
- Expanding the EDIH Network (€11 million): The network of European Digital Innovation Hubs will be consolidated and expanded into associated countries, with an increased focus on integrating and promoting artificial intelligence among SMEs and the public sector.
- Technology Deployment and Combating Disinformation (€47 million): This component focuses on the optimal deployment and use of new digital technologies. It includes support for the network of Safer Internet Centres. A specific allocation of €5 million from this package is earmarked for creating a European network dedicated to fact-checkers. This initiative, aligned with President Ursula von der Leyen’s political guidelines for 2024-2029, will include anti-harassment protection mechanisms for fact-checkers, a registry of fact-checks performed, and a rapid response capability, including in emergency situations.
The call for proposals on advanced digital skills and the one concerning the EDIH network directly contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), a Commission initiative aimed at stimulating the development and manufacturing of critical technologies within the EU.
The deadline for submitting proposals under all four calls is September 2, 2025. More details on funding opportunities and the application process are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.