Digital Europe programme

The digital Europe programme is a European Union (EU)-funded programme that runs from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027, the purpose of which is to bring digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations. It aims to:

improve the EU’s competitiveness in the global digital economy;
contribute to bridging the digital divide across the EU and reinforcing its strategic autonomy;
strengthen and promote Europe’s capacities in key digital technology areas through large-scale deployment.

The rules and details of the programme are set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/694. An indicative allocation of more than €7.5 billion at 2021 prices has been allocated to the programme, which is implemented mainly under direct management by the European Commission. The programme involves co-financing from Member States and, when needed, from the private sector. Grants under the programme may cover up to 100% of the eligible costs.

There are five specific objectives which are intended to enhance Europe’s capacities in key digital technology areas in the private sector and in areas of public interest:

high-performance computing,
artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity and trust,
advanced digital skills, and
deployment and best use of digital capacity and interoperability.