On Tuesday 15 April, the European Commission launched four new calls for tender totalling €140 million as part of the Digital Europe programme. These initiatives aim to promote artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen advanced digital skills, extend the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and combat disinformation.
Among the funds allocated, €55 million is earmarked for the integration of generative AI in public administration and the agri-food sector, as well as support for the Processors and Semiconductors Alliance.
A further €27 million will be used to create four new “digital skills academies” specialising in quantum mechanics, AI and virtual worlds.
€11 million will be devoted to extending the EDIH network, with a particular focus on AI. €47 million, including €5 million specifically, will fund the creation of “a European network of fact-checkers to combat disinformation”, including protection measures against harassment and emergency response capabilities.
These calls, which close on 2 September, are part of the first part of the 2025-2027 work programme.
These initiatives echo the Commission’s forthcoming ‘Apply AI Strategy’, which aims to promote the effective application of AI in “key sectors where the EU plays a leading role” (see EUROPE 13616/8).
See tender details: https://aeur.eu/f/gf6 (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)