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On 15 April 2025, the European Commission officially launched the first four calls under the Digital Europe Programme as part of the newly approved 2025–2027 Work Programme. These calls are focused on expanding Europe’s digital capabilities in strategic sectors including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital innovation, fact-checking, and advanced digital skills.

Here’s a breakdown of the calls and topics now open, totaling over €181 million in funding, with all applications due by 2 September 2025.

1. Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) – Call ID: DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08

This call supports the growth and consolidation of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), especially in countries newly associated with the Digital Europe Programme.

• Topic 1: Completion of the Initial Network (ID: DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08-COMPLETION-STEP)
  • Objective: Include entities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova into the EDIH network.
  • Budget: €2 million
• Topic 2: Consolidation with Reinforced AI Focus (ID: DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08-CONSOLIDATION-STEP)
  • Objective: Strengthen EDIHs in Albania, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Ukraine with a special emphasis on AI-driven services.
  • Budget: €9 million

2. Better Use of Digital Technologies – Call ID: DIGITAL-2025-BESTUSE-08

This call aims to maximize the societal benefits of digital technologies through online safety and media literacy.

• Topic 1: Network of Safer Internet Centres (ID: DIGITAL-2025-BESTUSE-08-NETWORKSICs)
  • Objective: Continue supporting national Safer Internet Centres that offer guidance, awareness, and reporting services to children, parents, and educators, including support for vulnerable groups.
  • Budget: €42 million
• Topic 2: European Network of Fact-Checkers (ID: DIGITAL-2025-BESTUSE-08-FACTCHECKERS)
  • Objective: Enhance the operations of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and expand multilingual, cross-border fact-checking networks to combat disinformation.
  • Budget: €5 million

3. Advanced Digital Skills – Call ID: DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08

This call will fund the creation of three sector-specific digital skills academies.

• Topic 1: GenAI Academy (ID: DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08-GENAI-ACADEMY-STEP)
  • Objective: Train current and future professionals in generative AI, aligned with the EU’s 2024 AI Innovation Package.
  • Budget: €7 million
• Topic 2: Virtual Worlds Skills Academy (ID: DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08-VIRTUAL-WORLDS-ACADEMY-STEP)
  • Objective: Build expertise in immersive technologies, including XR, 3D graphics, AI, and digital twins.
  • Budget: €10 million
• Topic 3: Quantum Skills Digital Academy (ID: DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08-QUANTUM-ACADEMY-STEP)
  • Objective: Serve as a central hub for quantum tech training and skill development across Europe.
  • Budget: €10 million

4. AI Continent – Call ID: DIGITAL-2025-AI-08

This wide-ranging call supports AI deployment across public services, agriculture, and compliance systems.

• Topic 1: GenAI for Public Administrations (ID: DIGITAL-2025-AI-08-SUPPLY-AI)
  • Objective: Fund 3–4 pilot projects showcasing GenAI use cases in public administration.
  • Budget: €21 million
• Topic 2: Data Spaces Support Centre (ID: DIGITAL-2025-AI-08-DS-SUPPORT)
  • Objective: Maintain and coordinate EU-wide data space initiatives to ensure interoperability and scalability.
  • Budget: €10 million
• Topic 3: Multi-Country Agri-Food Project (ID: DIGITAL-2025-AI-08-AGRIFOOD)
  • Objective: Enhance digital infrastructure in agriculture, focusing on data sharing for smarter, more sustainable food production.
  • Budget: €15 million
• Topic 4: Digital Compliance Solutions (ID: DIGITAL-2025-AI-08-COMPLIANCE)
  • Objective: Pilot digital systems to automate regulatory compliance, particularly for environmental legislation.
  • Budget: €8 million
• Topic 5: Support for Semiconductor Alliance Secretariat (ID: DIGITAL-2025-AI-08-PROCESSOR)
  • Objective: Strengthen the European Semiconductor Alliance through stakeholder coordination and expert support.
  • Budget: €1 million

Additional Call Opened on 3 April 2025 (Closes 14 May 2025)

• Call: Consolidation of the EDIH Network (ID: DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-EU-EEA-08-CONSOLIDATION-STEP)
  • Note: This call is not open to Italian EDIHs, and focuses on strengthening EDIHs in EU and EEA countries with a specific AI mandate.

Deadline

All applications for the above-mentioned calls must be submitted by 2 September 2025, except the 3 April call which closed 14 May 2025.

For detailed information and application portals, visit the official Funding & Tenders Portal of the European Commission.

Written by: Margherita Genua