Investment is part of the Digital Europe Programme, which is expected to speed up the economic recovery and shape the digital transformation of the European society and economy

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The EC will adopt three work programmes for the Digital Europe Programme. (Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay)

The European Commission (EC) has announced an investment of €1.98bn to advance digital transition in Europe by adopting three work programmes for the Digital Europe Programme.

According to the Commission, the Digital Europe Programme is a new European Union (EU) funding programme aimed at strengthening the region’s technological sovereignty. The programme will be focused on driving digital technology to businesses, public administrations, and citizens.

The Digital Europe Programme has a planned total budget of €7.5bn over seven years. It is expected to speed up the economic recovery and shape the digital transformation of the European society and economy, while driving benefits particularly to small and medium-sized businesses.

The first set of work programmes call for strategic investments that will be key to achieving the Commission’s digital targets for 2030.

The main work programme is worth €1.38bn. Its focus will be on investing in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and data spaces, advanced digital skills, quantum communication infrastructure, and the increased use of digital technologies in the economy and society, until the end of next year.

Apart from the main work programme, the EC revealed two specific work programmes. The first of which, focuses on funding in cybersecurity with a budget of €269m until the end of 2022.

The second one will focus on establishing and operating the network of European digital innovation hubs. This programme will have a budget of €329m until the end of 2023.

Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton said: “This is Europe’s Digital Decade. By 2030, data, cloud, edge and quantum computing will drive industrial and societal innovation, creating new business models. The €2 billion investment announced today enables European companies – of all sizes and notably startups – to seize opportunities in fast-growing markets.

“It will also empower European citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a safe digital environment. This strengthens our technological sovereignty.”

The Commission plans to publish the first calls for the Digital Europe Programme by the end of this month. More calls are expected to be published next year.

It will implement work programmes primarily via grants and procurement.