European Commission (EC) announced on the allocation of 1.3 billion euros for the development of critical technologies that are of strategic importance for the future of Europe and ensuring its technological independence.
Funding is provided within the new work program “Digital Europe” (DIGITAL) for 2025-2027. The program focuses on the large-scale implementation of artificial intelligence, increasing the level of cyber protection and the development of digital skills in society.
The DIGITAL work program focuses on several key areas, including improving access to generative AI applications, particularly in the health and care industries.
Funding will be directed to the creation of test environments – so-called “virtual worlds”, the implementation of the provisions of the Law on Artificial Intelligence, as well as the development of energy-efficient shared data spaces. All these activities are part of the AI Factories initiative, which involves the development of generative AI models for the needs of business and public administration.
The program also provides support for the European Digital Innovation Centers (EDIH), a network of structures that provide companies and government agencies with access to technical expertise, technology testing opportunities, training and consulting. This should facilitate the widespread adoption of the latest digital solutions, including AI, in various sectors.
Particular attention is paid to the development of the Destination Earth initiative, the goal of which is to create a digital model of the planet for climate monitoring and risk management. The new funding will allow researchers to expand access to this system and improve its accuracy.
Strengthening cyber resilience is also an important task. It is about the implementation of solutions, in particular the EU Cyber Security Reserve, to increase the protection of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and underwater communications. DIGITAL also stimulates the development of digital skills within Europe’s education systems to train skilled professionals and develop the talent needed for digital transformation.
Other priorities include the creation of a new EU digital identity wallet architecture, the development of a European trust infrastructure and support for its implementation in member states.
