EK to invest 1.3 billion euros in artificial intelligence, cyber security and digital skills across Europe

The European Commission today adopted a work program for the Digital Europe Instrument for the period 2025-2027, which envisages 1.3 billion euros to support key technologies that are strategically important for the future of Europe and the continent’s technological sovereignty, MIA’s correspondent in Brussels said.

According to the EC, the work program focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in the business sector and public administration, to strengthen cyber security and to increase digital skills.

The EC is expected to start announcing competitions for the use of the project for specific projects in the next month. Companies, public administration and other entities from EU and EFTA members, as well as third countries covered by « digital Europe », including Macedonia, will have the right to participate in competitions.

The key priorities of the work program are aimed at improving the availability of generative artificial intelligence applications, including the health sector, as well as supporting European digital innovation centers, which will allow companies and public sector access to technical expertise and testing, tips, training and skills.

Additionally, an upgrading of the « Destination Country » initiative, aimed at developing a digital model of the country to support climate adaptation and disaster risk management, then strengthening cyber security, primarily critical infrastructure, expanding education and training capacity for digital skills, Stimulating the transformation of the public sector through the development of efficient, high quality and interoperable digital public services.

The work program also envisages encouraging innovation for strategic technologies by improving access to public and private financing.

« Digital Europe » aims to finance projects aimed at bringing digital technology closer to businesses and citizens. With its 8.1 billion-euro budget for the period 2021-2027, « Digital Europe », it complicates funding through other EU initiatives, such as Horizon Europe, EU for Health, « Investe », « Connecting Europe » or the Recovery and Resistance Mechanism.