The European Commission has revealed its ambitious Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) work plan for the years 2025-2027, with a budget of €1.3bn allocated to support the deployment of strategically important technologies.
This initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s technological independence and improve digital capabilities across businesses, public administrations, and key sectors. As the first EU funding programme dedicated to integrating digital technologies into daily life, DIGITAL plays a crucial role in shaping Europe’s digital transformation.
With a total budget of €8.1bn under the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027), the programme complements other EU funding initiatives like Horizon Europe, EU4Health, InvestEU, and the Connecting Europe Facility.
The first calls for proposals under the 2025-2027 DIGITAL work programme are set to be launched in April 2025, with additional funding opportunities becoming available throughout the year.
Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, emphasized the importance of investing in advanced technologies and improving digital competencies to secure European tech sovereignty.
The key priorities of the Digital Europe Programme for 2025-2027 include advancing artificial intelligence, strengthening European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), enhancing climate adaptation with Destination Earth, boosting cyber resilience and security, developing digital skills across Europe, facilitating the EU Digital Identity Wallet, and transforming public services through digitalization.
Innovation within the Digital Europe Programme will be accelerated through the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which will award the STEP Seal quality label to promising projects, increasing their access to both public and private funding opportunities.
The Digital Europe Programme is at the forefront of Europe’s technological transformation, ensuring that innovative digital solutions are accessible and widely implemented. By promoting AI adoption, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving digital skills, the EU is paving the way for a more resilient, innovative, and digitally advanced future.
