New ECCC call for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme is open for applications

The call aims to strengthen Europe’s cybersecurity technologies, capabilities and preparedness. 

It addresses key priorities in cybersecurity deployment and includes the following topics:

Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI 

CYBER-11-CYBERAI – EUR 15 million

This action addresses AI-based technologies, including generative AI, for national authorities, competent authorities, National and Cross-Border Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, public bodies, NIS 2 entities and other relevant stakeholders. 

It supports the development and deployment of AI-based cybersecurity systems, tools and services for threat detection, vulnerability detection, threat mitigation, incident recovery, data analysis and data sharing, while also addressing the cybersecurity, robustness and trustworthiness of AI solutions.

Strengthening cybersecurity capacities of European SMEs with cybersecure AI-powered solutions 

CYBER-11-AI4SME - EUR 20 million

By promoting the uptake and dissemination of innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, this action contributes to strengthening the cybersecurity resilience of European SMEs. This initiative supports the development and deployment of AI-powered solutions, tools and services for European SMEs, including user-friendly tools for risk management, threat detection, incident response and notification.

Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions 

CYBER-11-COORDPREP - EUR 15 million

This action covers two actions from the Cyber Solidarity Act, dedicated to the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism: coordinated preparedness testing of entities operating in sectors of high criticality across the Union, and other preparedness actions for entities operating in sectors of high criticality and other critical sectors. It supports activities including penetration testing, threat assessment, vulnerability monitoring, risk monitoring, coordinated vulnerability disclosure, exercises and training courses.

Regional Cable Hubs 

CYBER-11- REGCABH - EUR 5 million

Strengthening the resilience and security of Europe’s undersea cable infrastructure is at the core of the progressive establishment of Regional Cable Hubs, one in each EU sea basin. The initiative supports the set-up of processes, tools and services for the detection and analysis of emerging threats, near real-time situational awareness, incident reporting and information sharing between relevant national authorities.

Enhancing the NCC Network 

CYBER-11-NCC - EUR 11 million

The operation of the National Coordination Centres (NCCs) is strengthened to enable greater support for the cybersecurity community, including SMEs, in the deployment and dissemination of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and the enhancement of cybersecurity capacities. The initiative also supports activities of the Cybersecurity Competence Community, promotes cybersecurity awareness and safer digital behaviour, fosters cybersecurity skills, and contributes to the growth of start-ups, SMEs and innovative cybersecurity solutions.

Strengthening EU cybersecurity capacities and capabilities in line with legislative requirements 

CYBER-11-EULEG - EUR 20 million

This action supports the European ecosystem in strengthening its cybersecurity capacities and in implementing the regulatory framework in line with Cyber Resilience Act, the NIS 2 Directive, GDPR, DORA, the Cybersecurity Act, specific requirements of the AI Act, and other relevant EU cybersecurity legislation. It supports stakeholders in addressing new responsibilities and obligations linked to EU cybersecurity legislation, including through financial and organisational support where relevant.

Dual-use technologies 

CYBER-11-DUALUSE - EUR 10 million

The objective of this action is to enhance operational cooperation between the civil and defence spheres through the development of dual-use working prototypes, ready-to-market products and operational infrastructures related to cybersecurity technologies, applications and tools that have relevance in both civilian and defence context.

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

Proposals can be submitted from 1 September 2026 until 14 January 2027 – 17:00 CET. Further details are available on the Funding and Tenders portal at this link.

Background 

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.

Useful links 

Call Document DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11  

Call for proposals on EU Funding and Tenders portal

Digital Europe Cybersecurity Work Programme 2025-2027 - Updated