New European Cybersecurity Competence Centre calls open to advance EU cybersecurity

Four new European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) calls worth a total of €50 million under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) have opened today to boost the security and resilience of Europe's digital infrastructure.

The areas supported under the calls include AI powered cybersecurity solutions, supporting uptake of new cyber tools by SMEs, readiness testing for EU cybersecurity and the development of new regional cable hubs to boost the security of EU submarine energy and digital cable hubs. Together these calls aim to not only boost cybersecurity across Europe but also contribute to the sovereignty of Europe's critical infrastructure and strengthen the EU economy.

Proposals can be submitted via the central Funding & Tenders Portal from 28 October 2025 to 31 March 2026 - 17:00 CET.

All the initiatives are subject to Article 12(5) of the Digital Europe Programme Regulation, ensuring that entities involved meet EU security requirements.

Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI

CYBER-09-CYBERAI - EUR 15 million

This action supports the development and deployment of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to enhance threat detection, incident response, and threat intelligence, while ensuring that AI systems themselves are secure, trustworthy, and compliant with EU legislation such as the AI Act and GDPR.

Uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions for SMEs

CYBER-09-UPTAKE - EUR 15 million

Despite a wealth of innovation, the uptake of advanced cybersecurity tools among SMEs remains limited. This action fosters the deployment of proven solutions by facilitating access, providing financial incentives, and supporting integration into business operations.

Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions

CYBER-09-COORDPREP - EUR 10 million

The EU's cybersecurity readiness must be rigorously tested. This call supports stress testing, simulations, and other preparedness actions, including cross-border and cross-sector to strengthen the ability of critical infrastructure operators to prevent and respond to cyber incidents.

Regional Cable Hubs

CYBER-09-CABLEHUBS - EUR 10 million

Submarine cable systems are vital to Europe's digital and economic security. This action will reinforce the cybersecurity of cable hubs - physical and digital entry points - ensuring they are robust against espionage, sabotage, and system failures.

These initiatives are subject to Article 12(5) of the Digital Europe Programme Regulation, ensuring that entities involved meet EU security requirements.

Background

The Digital Europe Programme is implemented by multiannual work programmes and supports investments in the following sectors: High Performance Computing; Cloud, Data and Artificial Intelligence; Cybersecurity and Advanced digital skills.

The ECCC implements the 'Specific Objective 3: Cybersecurity and Trust' from the DEP Regulation (EU) 2021/694. The Digital Europe Cybersecurity Work Programme for 2025-2027 and its amendments complement the main DEP WP and are approved by the ECCC Governing Board.

Digital Europe Programme is financed by the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union.

Find more information

• Call Document DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-09
• Digital Europe Cybersecurity Work Programme 2025-2027 - Updated

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