The European Cybersecurity Competence Center (ECCC) has launched a new call for proposals under the Digital Europe Program, making up to 96 million euros available to strengthen Europe’s cybersecurity technologies, capabilities, and preparedness.
From artificial intelligence to the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, from incident preparedness to the protection of critical infrastructure, the initiative addresses some of the key areas for the development of European cybersecurity today.
The call is divided into seven topics, each with a specific objective and its own budget allocation.
Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence – 15 million euros
CYBER-11-CYBERAI – Cybersecure tools, technologies, and services relying on AI
This call supports the development and adoption of cybersecurity systems, tools, and services based on artificial intelligence, including generative AI.
Envisaged applications include threat and vulnerability detection, threat mitigation, incident recovery, and data analysis and sharing. The initiative also addresses the security, robustness, and reliability of the AI solutions themselves.
The initiative involves, among others, national and competent authorities, national and cross-border Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, public entities, and entities falling under the scope of the NIS2 Directive.
AI Solutions for Cybersecurity in SMEs – 20 million euros
CYBER-11-AI4SME – Strengthening cybersecurity capacities of European SMEs with cybersecure AI-powered solutions
With a budget of 20 million euros, this initiative aims to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of European SMEs by promoting the development, dissemination, and adoption of innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence.
Planned applications include user-friendly tools for risk management, threat detection, incident response, and related notification activities.
Coordinated Preparedness and Testing – 15 million euros
CYBER-11-COORDPREP – Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions
This initiative supports preparedness measures aimed at entities operating in highly critical sectors and other critical sectors, within the framework of the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism established by the Cyber Solidarity Act.
Eligible activities include, among others, penetration testing, threat assessments, vulnerability and risk monitoring, coordinated vulnerability disclosure, exercises, and training activities.
Regional Cable Hubs – 5 million euros
CYBER-11-REGCABH – Regional Cable Hubs
Five million euros are earmarked for strengthening the resilience and protection of European submarine cable infrastructure through the gradual establishment of Regional Cable Hubs in the European Union’s maritime basins.
This program supports processes, tools, and services for the detection and analysis of emerging threats, near-real-time situational awareness, incident reporting, and information sharing among the relevant national authorities.
Strengthening the Network of National Coordination Centers – 11 million euros
CYBER-11-NCC – Enhancing the NCC Network
This topic is dedicated to consolidating the European network of National Coordination Centers (NCCs) and their capacity to support the cybersecurity community—including SMEs—in the dissemination and adoption of advanced solutions.
The initiative also includes efforts to build skills, raise awareness of cyber risks, promote more responsible digital behavior, and foster the growth of startups, SMEs, and innovative solutions in the sector.
Cybersecurity Capabilities and Implementation of European Legislation – 20 million euros
CYBER-11-EULEG – Strengthening EU cybersecurity capacities and capabilities in line with legislative requirements
An additional 20 million euros is earmarked to support the European ecosystem in strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities and implementing the Union’s regulatory framework.
This topic specifically refers to the Cyber Resilience Act, the NIS2 Directive, the GDPR, DORA, the Cybersecurity Act, and specific requirements of the AI Act, in addition to other relevant European regulations on this subject.
The goal is to help stakeholders address the new responsibilities and obligations arising from the European legislative framework, including through financial and organizational support, where applicable.
Dual-use technologies – 10 million euros
CYBER-11-DUALUSE – Dual-use technologies
This program aims to strengthen operational cooperation between the civilian and defense sectors through the development of dual-use cybersecurity technologies.
Funding covers working prototypes, market-ready products, and operational infrastructure related to cyber technologies, applications, and tools that can be used in both civilian and defense contexts.
A call to strengthen European cybersecurity capabilities
The allocation of resources reflects an approach that integrates technological development, business resilience, preparedness, infrastructure protection, skills, and the implementation of European regulations.
The call thus offers new opportunities to transform these priorities into projects, technologies, and solutions capable of contributing to the strengthening of the European cybersecurity ecosystem.
The initiatives are subject toArticle 12(5) of the Digital Europe Program Regulation, which sets forth specific security requirements for participating entities.
Proposals may be submitted from September 1, 2026, through January 14, 2027, by 5:00 p.m. CET.
For more information on the initiative’s objectives and structure, please refer to the official announcement from the European Cybersecurity Competence Center (ECCC).
The complete documentation, eligibility requirements, and guidelines for submitting proposals are available on the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal.