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Firstly, the amended main work programme with a 2024 budget of nearly €549 million will focus on deploying projects that use digital technologies such as data, cloud, and advanced digital skills. The work programme will roll out support for the smooth implementation of Digital Decade multi-country projects including opportunities for European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs). New actions will support the implementation of the AI Act and the development of a European AI ecosystem, including in particular SMEs.
The Commission has earmarked the remaining €214 million for 2024 for cybersecurity, to enhance the EU's collective resilience against cyber threats. The actions funded by this work programme will be implemented by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said:
The Digital Europe Programme is key for pooling EU and national funding to achieve ambitious digital projects that no Member State can do alone. It is crucial that Europe continues to support our digital decade targets with enhanced focus on digital skills, excellence in artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Commissioner Thierry Breton said:
The Digital Europe Programme drives Europe's leadership and sovereignty in digital technologies. It will build on the recent agreement on the EU AI Act and boost the development of a thriving European AI start-up ecosystem. It will also allow us to jointly scale up our capabilities in cloud, data and cybersecurity, including necessary digital skills.
The first calls for the Digital Europe Programme will be published in early 2024, with more to come in spring.