The Digital Europe programme was the subject of an interim agreement between the negotiating teams of the European Parliament, the EU Council, and the European Commission. The news was made public on Monday 14 December.
Digital Europe is a brand new EU programme to support the large-scale deployment of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the latest cybersecurity tools, during the 2021-2027 period (see EUROPE 12305/5). The agreement is based on a pre-agreement on the substance reached before the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework were complete (see EUROPE 12221/7).
“Digital capacity building will bring real added value to EU citizens, especially as the global pandemic continues to hold us in its grip”, said German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier on behalf of the rotating EU Council Presidency.
The programme will have a total budget of €7.5 billion over 7 years. It will fund projects in five crucial areas: high performance computing (€2.226 billion), artificial intelligence (€2.061 billion), cybersecurity (€1.649 billion), advanced digital skills (€577 million), and ensuring the widespread use of digital technologies in the economy and society (€1.072 billion).
The programme will be implemented through multiannual work programmes covering one or more of the five areas of action. It will involve cofinancing by Member States and, where appropriate, the private sector. The cofinancing rates will be established in the work programmes. These work programmes will also define the eligibility criteria for actions supported under Digital Europe. Grants under the programme may cover up to 100% of eligible costs. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)