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The European Commission has announced a €1.3 billion investment to deploy critical technologies essential for Europe’s technological sovereignty and future development.
The funding comes from the DIGITAL Europe work program for 2025-2027, adopted on March 28.
Key Priorities of the DIGITAL Program
The initiative focuses on:
✅ Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Enhancing AI applications, including in healthcare and public administration.
✅ Cloud and Data Technologies – Improving data accessibility and business adoption of AI.
✅ Cyber Resilience – Strengthening cybersecurity solutions like the EU Cybersecurity Reserve to protect critical infrastructure, including hospitals and undersea cables.
✅ Digital Skills – Expanding digital education and training programs across the EU.
✅ Government Digitalization – Developing interoperable, high-quality public services.
✅ Destination Earth Initiative – Advancing a digital model of Earth to support climate adaptation and disaster risk management.
Boosting Innovation
The program will accelerate innovation through the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which grants the STEP Seal to promising projects, improving their access to public and private funding.
This move aligns with broader EU digital transformation efforts, including developing a European Digital Identity Wallet and enhancing trust infrastructure across member states.
AI in Law Enforcement
Meanwhile, Sweden’s government has proposed allowing police to use real-time AI-powered facial recognition to combat crime—a move that may influence broader EU discussions on AI regulations.
Read also: Norway to allocate EUR 264M for humanitarian support to Ukraine
