The European Commission has unveiled an ambitious funding initiative under the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), committing over €210 million to bolster cybersecurity capabilities and digital infrastructure across the European Union. A significant portion of the funding, €35 million, will be dedicated to safeguarding large industrial installations and critical infrastructures, aimed at enhancing resilience against cyber threats. Additionally, €12.8 million has been allocated to expand and support both national and cross-border Cybersecurity Operation Centres (SOCs), crucial hubs for monitoring and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
Another €35 million will be utilized to deploy state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies and tools, reinforcing Europe’s defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The funding package also includes €20 million to assist Member States in implementing EU cybersecurity laws and National Cybersecurity Strategies, ensuring alignment and coherence in cybersecurity efforts across the continent. The application deadline for cybersecurity-related projects is set for January 21, 2025, providing organizations and entities with an opportunity to propose initiatives that strengthen Europe’s cyber resilience and readiness.
In parallel, the DEP will inject €55 million into advancing digital skills through the development and delivery of higher education programs focused on key digital technology areas. This investment aims to address skill gaps and equip European professionals with the expertise needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Additionally, €25 million will support the rollout of multi-country digital projects via European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs), facilitating collaborative initiatives that contribute to achieving the EU’s Digital Decade goals.
Furthermore, the DEP will allocate €20 million to foster the development of European local digital twins, digital replicas of local communities that enhance urban planning and management capabilities. Another €8 million will fund European Digital Media Observatories (EDMOs), empowering regional hubs to combat disinformation in digital media through rigorous analysis and proactive interventions. With an application deadline for digital skills initiatives set for November 21, 2024, the DEP underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening digital resilience, skills, and infrastructure to propel Europe towards a more secure and digitally empowered future.
