Under the second component of the Programme, the Artificial Intelligence component, the objective is to establish secure data spaces and energy-efficient cloud solutions in Europe, as well as to set up infrastructures where AI technologies can be tested and matured. Within this framework, the Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) enable the validation of AI solutions in various sectors such as agri-food, healthcare, and smart manufacturing.

Sectoral data spaces allow the public and private sectors to share data securely and to develop innovative applications. Thanks to the cloud-to-edge architecture, data can be processed close to its source, while aiming to raise energy efficiency and data security standards across Europe. The Programme also provides technical and operational support for the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).

Click here to access open calls in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Please note: Some calls launched under this component are closed to applicants from associated countries, in accordance with Article 12(6) of the DEP Regulation. For such restrictions, please check the relevant work programmes and call documents.

The third specific objective focuses on cybersecurity and trust. With the acceleration of digitalisation, cyber threats are increasing in both quantity and sophistication. The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) invests in strengthening Europe’s cybersecurity capacity, enhancing its strategic digital autonomy, and protecting its critical infrastructures.

Activities under the Cybersecurity strand are implemented through the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre (ECCC).

In accordance with Article 12(5) of the Digital Europe Programme Regulation, calls launched under this component are not open to applicants from Türkiye.

In Europe’s digital transformation, not only infrastructure investments but also the training of a qualified workforce capable of utilizing these infrastructures is of critical importance.

Under this component, the DEP supports higher education programmes, short-term intensive training, and digital acceleration courses for SMEs in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and high-performance computing. It also prioritises reskilling and upskilling activities to enable existing employees to update their skills.

Approaches that promote gender equality aim to increase the representation of women in digital professions. The European Data Space for Skills also facilitates the monitoring of skills needs and the preparation of strategic training plans in this context. In addition, activities and collaborations in this area are further disseminated across Europe through the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform, which brings together digital skills development initiatives at the European level.

This component plays a key role in achieving the targets of the Digital Decade Policy Programme to equip at least 80% of the population with basic digital skills and to reach 20 million specialists in digital fields by 2030.

The fifth component is built on the widespread use of digital capacities and interoperability. Its objective is to ensure the efficient use of advanced digital technologies in public services, SMEs, and society at large.

This component covers a wide range of areas, from digital solutions serving the Green Deal objectives to e-government applications, from secure digital identity infrastructures to blockchain services. It also includes the protection of children in the online environment, the establishment of digital trust, and the sustainability of previous EU digital projects.

As a result, the programme invests not only in technology development but also in the dissemination and implementation steps that will transform technology into socio-economic benefits. In addition, it makes a significant contribution to achieving the targets of the Digital Decade Policy Programme to accelerate the digitalisation of public services and key sectors by 2030.

The sixth and final component focuses on semiconductor technologies. The Chips for Europe initiative, established under the European Chips Act, aims to increase semiconductor manufacturing capacity, secure the supply chain, and strengthen the EU’s strategic independence in key technologies.

Efforts carried out through the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) involve investments in both research and development as well as manufacturing infrastructure. Special funds have been allocated for SMEs, and these investments are expected to contribute to the green and digital transitions.

Applications from Türkiye are not eligible for calls launched under this component.

All these components form an integrated policy framework aimed at strengthening the EU’s digital capacity not only technologically but also economically, socially, and strategically. The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) announces its funding through Work Programmes published periodically. Each work programme clearly defines the objectives, budget allocations, expected outcomes, and application rules for the relevant period.