Brussels, March 28, 2025 — The European Commission has unveiled an ambitious €1.3 billion investment package aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing cybersecurity, and improving digital competencies across the European Union. This investment, part of the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) for 2025-2027, is designed to bolster the EU’s technological sovereignty while ensuring that Europeans are prepared to excel in an increasingly digital economy.
Henna Virkkunen, the European Commissioner for Digital Innovation, described the initiative as a strategic move to reinforce Europe’s leadership in emerging technologies. “This funding will equip our citizens and businesses with the tools needed to navigate and excel in a digital-first world,” Virkkunen stated. “By prioritizing AI and cybersecurity while upskilling our workforce, we are safeguarding Europe’s digital future.”
A Strategic Push for AI Leadership
A major focus of the €1.3 billion investment is driving innovation in artificial intelligence, with the EU determined to establish itself as a global leader in the ethical development and deployment of AI systems. The funding will support AI research initiatives, facilitate collaboration between universities and tech companies, and encourage the growth of AI startups across Europe.
The programme aims to develop AI applications that adhere to the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which mandates rigorous standards for transparency, accountability, and ethical compliance. Special emphasis will be placed on creating AI solutions that benefit critical sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and public administration.
“We want to ensure that AI works for the people, not the other way around,” Virkkunen emphasized. “By aligning AI development with European values, we can build trust and encourage the responsible adoption of this transformative technology.”
As part of the initiative, the Commission plans to establish AI Innovation Hubs across Europe, where companies can test and refine AI technologies in controlled environments. These hubs will serve as centers of excellence where researchers, developers, and regulators collaborate to ensure compliance with EU ethical standards.
Fortifying Cybersecurity in a Digital Age
With cyber threats growing more sophisticated and frequent, enhancing Europe’s cybersecurity defenses is another core pillar of the Digital Europe Programme. As critical infrastructure increasingly relies on digital technologies, ensuring its protection has become paramount.
To strengthen cybersecurity resilience, a significant portion of the funding will be allocated to developing advanced threat detection systems, improving incident response mechanisms, and fostering greater collaboration among national cybersecurity agencies. The EU also plans to establish a European Cybersecurity Shield, a network of interconnected Security Operations Centers (SOCs) that can monitor and respond to cyber threats in real-time.
“Cybersecurity is no longer an option—it’s a necessity,” Virkkunen warned. “Our investment will not only fortify our digital infrastructure but also protect our democratic institutions and safeguard citizens’ data.”
The programme will also fund cybersecurity training programs aimed at upskilling public sector employees and private sector professionals to ensure they are equipped to defend against evolving cyber threats.
Bridging the Digital Skills Gap
Recognizing that a technologically advanced society requires a digitally literate population, the EU is directing a significant share of the investment toward digital skills development. Despite ongoing efforts, millions of Europeans still lack basic digital literacy, creating a growing digital divide.
To close this gap, the EU will fund large-scale digital education initiatives aimed at equipping both young learners and the current workforce with essential digital skills. These programs will include courses in coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI, delivered through partnerships with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and private-sector companies.
Virkkunen stressed the importance of inclusivity in this digital transformation. “Empowering citizens with digital skills ensures that no one is left behind in the digital revolution,” she said. “Our aim is to equip Europeans with the knowledge they need to thrive in a future where digital expertise is essential.”
The Commission will also introduce targeted programs for underrepresented groups, including women and older citizens, to ensure equitable access to digital education opportunities.
Reducing Dependence on Foreign Technologies
The €1.3 billion investment is also viewed as a strategic move to reduce Europe’s reliance on technologies from non-EU countries, particularly the United States and China. As global tensions over technology sovereignty rise, the EU is taking proactive steps to assert greater control over its technological future.
“By fostering indigenous innovation and strengthening our digital ecosystem, we can reduce external dependencies and chart a path toward digital autonomy,” Virkkunen said.
The programme will support the development of homegrown AI models, advanced cybersecurity frameworks, and cloud infrastructure to ensure that Europe’s digital future remains in European hands. This focus on tech sovereignty is expected to give the EU greater leverage in shaping global digital standards while safeguarding its own strategic interests.
Implementation and Expected Impact
The Digital Europe Programme will be implemented in multiple phases, with the first wave of funding expected to be distributed by mid-2025. The European Commission plans to open calls for proposals from research institutions, technology companies, and training providers in the coming months.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the EU will introduce a performance monitoring framework to track the impact of the investment and make data-driven adjustments as needed. Annual reviews will assess the programme’s progress, allowing for recalibration of priorities based on real-time feedback.
Analysts expect the investment to have a transformative impact on Europe’s digital landscape, driving innovation, enhancing security, and empowering citizens with the skills necessary to thrive in a digital economy. Industry leaders have expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to reshape Europe’s role in the global tech ecosystem.
“This investment sends a powerful signal that Europe is serious about taking control of its digital destiny,” said Dr. Markus Lehmann, a leading tech strategist based in Munich. “By investing in AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills, the EU is laying the foundation for a future where innovation and ethics go hand in hand.”
A Bold Step Toward a Digital Future
As Europe embarks on this ambitious digital transformation, the €1.3 billion investment in AI, cybersecurity, and digital education represents more than just funding—it is a bold statement of intent. The EU’s vision of a secure, inclusive, and ethically-driven digital society is now within reach.
“This is not just an investment in technology,” Virkkunen concluded. “It’s an investment in Europe’s future, where innovation, security, and human-centric values form the cornerstone of our digital landscape.”