The European Commission published the Work Programme with Calls for the 2025–2027 period under the Digital Europe Programme on 28 March, allocating €1.3 billion to advance key technologies critical to Europe’s technological sovereignty. The funding prioritizes the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications across public and private sectors, alongside investments in cloud data, cybersecurity resilience, and digital skills.
In the AI domain, the Digital Europe Programme significantly bolsters investment in infrastructure development, notably through AI Testing and Experimentation Facilities (AI TEFs). These facilities provide platforms for technology providers to test AI-driven hardware and software solutions in real-world environments, with a particular focus on integrating generative AI into sector-specific TEFs, such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities. This approach supports comprehensive integration, testing, and experimentation of AI technologies to address domain-specific challenges and refine solutions. Additionally, the programme collaborates closely with the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) to advance the construction of AI Factories. These facilities, equipped with supercomputers and high-performance AI chips, significantly enhance the training and application capabilities of AI models.
To drive AI adoption in industry and public sectors, the Digital Europe Programme establishes an extensive network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs). These hubs, formed by consortia with complementary expertise, offer services including technology testing, skills training, financing support, and access to innovation ecosystems. Spanning all EU regions, EDIHs provide tailored assistance to meet localized digitalization needs, particularly promoting AI applications in healthcare, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and cultural and creative industries. Through synergy with AI Factories, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain access to advanced technologies, enabling smarter business processes and enhanced competitiveness.
Digital skills and talent development are another key focus of the programme. The AI Skills Academy is a flagship initiative designed to nurture AI expertise through tailored higher education, technical training, and on-the-job programmes. By fostering a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders—including businesses, universities, vocational institutions, and public entities—the Academy attracts and retains both European and international AI talent. It promotes AI fellowships and full-time apprenticeship programmes, ensuring the long-term growth of the EU’s AI ecosystem.