The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) is the EU’s primary funding tool for building digital capacity and driving digital transformation across Europe. It focuses on deploying real-world digital solutions, not just developing them — making it a unique initiative that directly supports Europe’s digital decade ambitions.
For the 2025–2027 period, the programme prioritises investment in areas with the greatest strategic impact: artificial intelligence, data, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, public sector digitalisation, and innovation ecosystems. With a multi-billion-euro budget and a strong focus on implementation, DEP is at the heart of Europe’s effort to become digitally sovereign and globally competitive.
A Programme Designed for Impact
Unlike research-driven programmes, DEP is all about deployment at scale. Its mission is to translate digital innovations into usable services, systems, and infrastructure for citizens, businesses, and public administrations across the EU. It does so by funding concrete projects that are ready to scale, including digital identity systems, cross-border cloud services, AI testing platforms, and digital skills training.
DEP is aligned with the EU Digital Decade Policy Programme, which sets clear targets for digital transformation in infrastructure, business, skills, and public services. Through DEP, the EU is investing not only in technologies but also in the ecosystems, standards, and talent needed to implement them.
Key Strategic Areas of Focus
The 2025–2027 work programme builds on five interlinked areas of action:
First, there is a strong commitment to artificial intelligence, data, and cloud technologies. This includes the development of secure and interoperable European data spaces, support for trustworthy AI systems, and advanced cloud-to-edge infrastructures.
Next is cybersecurity, where the programme aims to reinforce the EU’s cyber resilience by strengthening capabilities, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration. DEP works in close coordination with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) to support both technological and human capital needs in this area.
Another cornerstone of the programme is advanced digital skills. DEP invests in master’s-level education, upskilling initiatives, and specialised training in key technologies like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. It also supports national coalitions and targeted actions to promote gender balance and broader inclusion in digital careers.
Digitalisation of the public sector is another priority. DEP funds the development and rollout of secure and interoperable public digital services, including the European Digital Identity Wallet. These investments aim to modernise government operations and improve cross-border access to services.
Finally, the programme supports a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs). These hubs help SMEs and public sector bodies adopt advanced technologies by offering hands-on support, from test-before-invest services to mentoring, training, and access to funding.
How Funding Works
DEP uses a mix of grants, procurement, and coordination actions to fund activities. Grants may be awarded to support pilot projects, infrastructure deployment, training programmes, or cross-border cooperation. Procurement is used to finance services and platforms that will be shared at the European level.
The programme is open to organisations from EU Member States and associated countries, including public administrations, research centres, universities, NGOs, and private sector actors. Whether you are looking to upskill your workforce, develop digital tools, or lead large-scale public services innovation, DEP offers structured, strategic funding to make it happen.
A Strategic Investment in Europe's Future
As Europe navigates new technological, geopolitical, and social realities, the Digital Europe Programme offers a clear path forward. It enables Member States and stakeholders to invest in common digital priorities, reduce fragmentation, and scale solutions that serve people, businesses, and public services alike.
With its 2025–2027 work programme now in place, DEP is not just a funding opportunity — it’s a lever for long-term digital transformation.
What’s Next?
In Part 2 of this guide, we’ll explore how the programme empowers people and regions through Advanced Digital Skills and the European Digital Innovation Hubs.
👉 Ready to explore open calls under DEP? Start here: https://eucalls.net
