EU’s Digital Europe Programme Accelerates Digital Transformation with €7.6 Billion Investment

EU’s Digital Europe Programme (2021-2027) invests €7.6B in digital transformation, focusing on supercomputing, AI, cybersecurity, digital skills, and tech adoption. It bridges research and market deployment, supports SMEs, and aligns with green goals.

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is a key European Union initiative designed to drive the continent’s digital transformation. With a budget of €7.6 billion for the period 2021-2027, the programme focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world deployment of digital technologies. It supports projects in supercomputing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and the widespread adoption of digital solutions across society and the economy.

The programme aligns with the EU’s twin priorities—green transition and digital transformation—while strengthening Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy. It particularly benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Targeted investment in five key digital areas

DIGITAL strategically allocates funding across five pivotal sectors essential for Europe's digital future:

Supercomputing: Under DIGITAL, Europe's supercomputing capabilities have notably advanced. Three supercomputers, procured through the European High Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking, were ranked among the world's top ten as of November 2023, becoming operational in 2023. These powerful systems are not only among the fastest globally but also lead in energy efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Recognising AI's transformative potential, the Programme established four specialised testing and experimentation facilities in 2023, focusing on agrifood, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities. These facilities actively support innovators to bring trustworthy AI technologies to the European market.

Cybersecurity: With cybersecurity becoming a paramount concern, DIGITAL supported the establishment of 27 National Cybersecurity Coordination Centres across EU Member States in 2023. These centres facilitate national and cross-border cooperation, ensuring robust cybersecurity infrastructure throughout the continent.

Advanced digital skills: DIGITAL prioritises skill development, enrolling 2,517 students and professionals in innovative digital master's programmes and short-term specialised training by the end of 2023. Subjects include digital health, civil engineering, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum technology, robotics, and the Internet of Things.

Broad deployment of digital technologies: A core objective of DIGITAL is the wide adoption of digital technologies across society and the economy. In 2022 and 2023, 151 European Digital Innovation Hubs were established across EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, delivering digital services to 90% of European regions. Additionally, the Programme initiated pilot projects involving 250 public authorities and private entities to test the European Digital Identity Wallet across diverse use cases.

Highlights of programme achievements

The Programme has already achieved notable milestones. In 2023, through the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), Europe successfully deployed three of the world’s most powerful and energy-efficient supercomputers, placing them among the global top ten. These advanced machines are poised to significantly impact research and industry across Europe.

Simultaneously, the EU established 151 European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) across Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. These hubs support public and private organisations, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), enhancing regional access to digital services. By the end of 2023, the hubs provided comprehensive coverage to 90% of European regions.

Four specialised testing and experimentation facilities for artificial intelligence were launched in the same year. These facilities concentrate on essential sectors such as agrifood, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities. They provide innovators with vital platforms to test and refine trustworthy AI technologies before market entry.

Achievements and impact

The Digital Europe Programme has already delivered tangible results:

• Cancer image Europe platform: Hosts over 200,000 medical images from 36 datasets, aiding cancer research.
• Safer internet centres: Conducted 12,000 school visits in 2023, promoting online safety for young people.
• Digital innovation hubs: Available in 90% of European regions, helping SMEs and public bodies integrate digital tools.

How to access funding

Organisations seeking funding under the Digital Europe Programme must follow a structured application process:

1. Browse open calls: Proposals must align with topics listed on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, where all open and upcoming calls are published.

2. Submit a proposal: Applications must be submitted online before 17:00 Brussels time on the specified deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

3. Evaluation process: Independent experts assess proposals based on predefined criteria. Successful applicants are notified, and grant agreements are finalised within nine months of the call’s closure.

4. Partner search: Applicants can use the portal’s partner search tool to identify collaborators with the required expertise.