New EC calls to deploy key digital technologies

The Commission has opened four new calls under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) to advance the roll out of Artificial Intelligence (AI), promote advanced digital skills, expand the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and fight disinformation. This is the first set of calls under the 2025-2027 DIGITAL Work Programme, which focuses on deploying innovative next generation technologies across Europe. 

Delivering on the objectives set out in the Competitiveness Compass, Union of Skills, and AI Continent Action Plan, €27 million will help establish three new digital skills academies, targeting critical talent shortages across key digital areas. Complementing the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, the new academies in Quantum Technologies, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Worlds will foster a more coordinated approach to digital skills education and training in the EU.

Leveraging strategic partnerships with academia, training providers, industry, and public institutions, each academy will identify skill gaps and develop state-of-the-art education and training programmes, scaling up successful initiatives and creating strong ecosystems.  

In addition, calls worth €11 million will focus on completing and expanding the EDIH network in associated countries, as well as supporting a reinforced AI focus.

Both the advanced digital skills and EDIH network calls contribute to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) objectives – the Commission’s initiative to boost the development and manufacturing of critical technologies in the EU. All calls close on 2 September 2025.

More information on the calls and the application process can be found on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Source: The press release was published here