This is the second lesson of the second module of EUPress Teacher Training, relating to the macro topic of “European policies on digital economy and society”.
The aim of this lesson is to explore the Digital Europe Programme, a new EU funding programme focused on bringing digital technologies to business, citizens and public administration.
The European Union is accelerating its twin transition to a greener and more digital future through the Digital Europe Programme — a strategic funding initiative designed to help businesses, citizens, and public administrations fully embrace advanced digital technologies.
With a budget of over €7 billion for the 2021–2027 period, the programme targets five core areas critical to Europe’s competitiveness and resilience:
Five key investment pillars
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) – expanding Europe’s supercomputing capacity to power scientific research, climate modelling, and industrial innovation.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – supporting AI testing and adoption while ensuring ethical and trustworthy applications.
- Cybersecurity – strengthening resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats through coordinated EU-wide action.
- Advanced Digital Skills – closing skills gaps by training workers and citizens in emerging technologies.
- Digital Innovation Hubs – rolling out hubs to help SMEs and public-sector organisations access cutting-edge digital tools.
Why it matters
The pandemic made the importance of digital sovereignty clearer than ever. As Europe became more dependent on external tech systems and platforms, the EU set out to build homegrown solutions. The programme is therefore about more than technology — it’s about strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and economic security.
Complementarity with other EU funding streams
Digital Europe does not operate in isolation. It complements other major EU initiatives such as:
- Horizon Europe for research and innovation
- The Connecting Europe Facility for cross-border digital infrastructure
- The Recovery and Resilience Facility, funding post-pandemic recovery
- EU Structural Funds to reduce digital disparities between regions
All these programmes collectively support Europe’s digital transformation under the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Who can participate?
While the programme is targeted primarily at EU Member States, some non-EU countries can also participate, provided they are formally associated:
- So far, associated countries include Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway — all members of the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Switzerland is currently not associated, particularly due to restrictions related to cybersecurity and strategic technologies.
By making coordinated investments in critical digital capacities, the Digital Europe Programme aims to future-proof Europe’s economy, reduce tech dependence, and empower more Europeans — especially SMEs — to benefit from digital innovation.
