- ECCC opens seven cybersecurity projects under the Digital Europe Programme with a combined budget of EUR 96 million.
- Applications open 1 September 2026 – 14 January 2027 – 17:00 CET via the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
- Largest topics: AI for SMEs (EUR 20m), EU legislation implementation (EUR 20m) and AI cybersecurity (EUR 15m).
- Regional Cable Hubs for undersea cables and dual-use technologies bridging civil and defence spheres are among the seven topics.
- Funding is provided through the EU 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework under DEP Regulation (EU) 2021/694.
Seven funding topics with a combined budget of EUR 96 million
The European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre (ECCC) has opened a new call for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) aimed at strengthening Europe's cybersecurity technologies, capabilities and preparedness. The call comprises seven separate topics with a combined budget of EUR 96 million.
Applications can be submitted from 1 September 2026 to 14 January 2027 – 17:00 CET via the EU Funding and Tenders portal.
Overview of the seven funding topics
| Reference | Topic | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| CYBER-11-CYBERAI | AI-based cybersecurity tools, technologies and services | EUR 15 million |
| CYBER-11-AI4SME | AI-powered cybersecurity solutions for European SMEs | EUR 20 million |
| CYBER-11-COORDPREP | Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions | EUR 15 million |
| CYBER-11-REGCABH | Regional Cable Hubs for undersea cable infrastructure | EUR 5 million |
| CYBER-11-NCC | Strengthening the National Coordination Centres (NCC) network | EUR 11 million |
| CYBER-11-EULEG | Strengthening EU cybersecurity capacities in line with legislation | EUR 20 million |
| CYBER-11-DUALUSE | Dual-use technologies bridging civil and defence spheres | EUR 10 million |
| Total | EUR 96 million |
AI at the centre of cybersecurity
Two of the seven topics focus specifically on artificial intelligence. CYBER-11-CYBERAI (EUR 15 million) supports the development and deployment of AI-based systems for threat detection, vulnerability analysis, threat mitigation, incident recovery, data analysis and data sharing. The initiative targets national authorities, competent authorities, National and Cross-Border Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, public bodies, and NIS 2 entities. The cybersecurity, robustness and trustworthiness of the AI solutions themselves are also in scope.
CYBER-11-AI4SME (EUR 20 million) targets European small and medium-sized enterprises. The topic promotes the uptake and dissemination of innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, including user-friendly tools for risk management, threat detection, incident response and notification.
Undersea cable infrastructure and coordinated preparedness
CYBER-11-REGCABH (EUR 5 million) supports the establishment of Regional Cable Hubs – one in each EU sea basin – to strengthen the resilience and security of Europe's undersea cable infrastructure. The initiative covers 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.
CYBER-11-COORDPREP (EUR 15 million) 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. Support includes penetration testing, threat assessment, vulnerability monitoring, risk monitoring, coordinated vulnerability disclosure, exercises and training courses.
Implementing EU cybersecurity legislation
CYBER-11-EULEG (EUR 20 million) is the largest topic and supports the European ecosystem in strengthening its cybersecurity capacities and implementing the regulatory framework in line with:
- Cyber Resilience Act
- NIS 2 Directive
- GDPR
- DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)
- Cybersecurity Act
- Specific requirements of the AI Act
- Other relevant EU cybersecurity legislation
The initiative supports stakeholders in addressing new responsibilities and obligations linked to EU cybersecurity legislation, including through financial and organisational support where relevant.
Dual-use technologies and the NCC network
CYBER-11-DUALUSE (EUR 10 million) aims 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 relevant in both civilian and defence contexts.
CYBER-11-NCC (EUR 11 million) strengthens the operation of the National Coordination Centres (NCCs) to enable greater support for the cybersecurity community, including SMEs, in the deployment and dissemination of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. 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.
Background and funding
The Digital Europe Programme is implemented through multiannual work programmes and supports investments in High Performance Computing; Cloud, data and Artificial Intelligence; and Cybersecurity and Advanced digital skills. The ECCC implements '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 work programme and are approved by the ECCC Governing Board. The programme is financed by the EU 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
All initiatives are subject to Article 12(5) of the Digital Europe Programme Regulation, ensuring that entities involved meet EU security requirements.
Key points
- Combined budget: EUR 96 million across seven topics
- Application period: 1 September 2026 – 14 January 2027 – 17:00 CET
- Focus: AI-based cybersecurity, SME empowerment, undersea cable security, EU legislation implementation and dual-use technologies
- Legal basis: DEP Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Article 12(5)
- Document: Call Document DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11