In a major push toward digital sovereignty, the European Commission announced on Friday that it will invest €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) between 2025 and 2027 in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills. The funding will be allocated through the Digital Europe Programme, which aims to accelerate the continent’s transition to a secure and competitive digital economy.
Building Europe’s Digital Core
The announcement reflects the EU’s growing recognition that leadership in digital technologies is no longer optional — it’s strategic. From AI to cloud infrastructure, and from advanced cybersecurity to a digitally literate workforce, the investment will support projects that strengthen European capabilities and resilience in the digital sphere.
“Securing European tech sovereignty starts with investing in advanced technologies and in making it possible for people to improve their digital competences,” said Henna Virkkunen
Focus Areas of the Investment
While the full breakdown of the budget is expected later this year, the Commission has confirmed that the funding will support:
- • Trustworthy and ethical AI research and deployment
- • Cybersecurity infrastructure and coordinated defense mechanisms
- • Digital upskilling initiatives to train workers and close the digital talent gap
- • Support for SMEs and public sector digital transformation
A Strategic Response to Global Competition
The investment is widely seen as a response to growing international competition in the tech space, particularly from the U.S. and China. As AI technologies evolve rapidly, and cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, the EU aims to secure its position as a leader in responsible and resilient digital innovation.
Moreover, with regulations like the AI Act and NIS2 Directive taking effect, the EU is not only developing digital tools — it’s also shaping the governance models that will define the next decade of global tech.
Looking Ahead
This €1.3 billion package follows earlier investments under the Digital Europe Programme and complements broader EU strategies like the Digital Decade Policy Programme and Horizon Europe.
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment. As the EU strives to build a sustainable, secure, and human-centric digital future, investment in both technology and talent is essential.
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