EU Announces €1.3 Billion Investment in AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Skills

The European Commission has announced a major investment of €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) to advance artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital skills as part of the Digital Europe Programme for 2025–2027.

This initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and ensure the continent remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The funding will be directed toward key technological areas, including AI adoption, cybersecurity enhancements, and digital skills development. According to European Commission digital chief Henna Virkkunen, securing Europe’s technological future begins with investing in advanced technologies and empowering individuals with essential digital competencies

Key Investment Areas

Artificial Intelligence: The initiative will support the integration of AI across businesses and public administration to enhance innovation and efficiency.

Cybersecurity: A significant portion of the funding will be allocated to strengthening Europe’s cyber resilience, particularly for critical infrastructures such as hospitals and submarine cables. This includes the establishment of the EU Cybersecurity Reserve to mitigate cyber threats

Digital Skills: The programme will focus on improving digital literacy and upskilling the European workforce to ensure businesses and individuals are equipped for the digital future.

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The €1.3 billion investment is a segment of the wider Digital Europe Programme, which has a total budget of €8.1 billion for 2023–2027. This broader initiative is designed to accelerate Europe’s digital transformation by supporting the deployment of high-impact digital technologies and promoting innovation across industries.

The European Commission is expected to launch calls for proposals in April 2025, targeting businesses, public administrations, and organisations from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and associated nations

By allocating these funds, the European Commission aims to strengthen the continent’s position in the global tech landscape, ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.