The European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) is a legal framework aiding Member States to set up and implement multi-country projects.
What is an [notranslate][notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate][/notranslate]?
European Digital Infrastructure Consortium ([notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]) is an instrument made available to Member States under the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 to speed up and simplify the setup and implementation of multi-country projects. [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]s will enable the achievement of the Digital Decade general objectives and targets.
Each [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate] is a legal person established by a Commission decision upon the application of at least three Member States and Commission approval. The founding Member States define the [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]´s governance structure and other functioning rules in the Statutes. Its budget will be based on its members’ contributions complemented by other sources of revenues, which may include EU and national grants. The seat of an [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate] is in a participating Member State and its legal personality must be recognised by all Member States.
An [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate] may implement a multi-country project by deploying joint infrastructure, delivering services and bringing together – as considered appropriate by the founding Member States – public entities, private entities, final users and industry.
First [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]s being set up
Alliance for Language Technologies European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (ALT-[notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate])
The Alliance for Language Technologies European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (ALT-[notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]) seeks to address the scarcity of European language data available for training artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. This collaborative initiative aims to develop a common European infrastructure in Language Technologies. This will result in the creation of ‘Large Language Models’ of European regional and official languages. The goal is to use those models to boost the development of advanced AI models capable of understanding and generating human-like language. The ALT-[notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate] will promote digital competitiveness, preserve linguistic diversity, and promoting cultural richness in Europe.
CitiVERSE
The Networked Local Digital Twins towards the CitiVERSE (LDT CitiVERSE EDIC) initiative aims to connect existing local digital twins across Europe, forming the basis for the EU CitiVERSE. Local digital twins are virtual representations of a city's physical assets, processes, and systems. Digital twins use data, analytics, and AI to create real-time simulation models that mirror the cities they represent. The CitiVERSE, legally established on 12 December in Valencia, sets a new global benchmark for cooperative smart city development. It focuses on AI-based solutions to enhance and better customise urban planning, including simulations addressing (among other things) the impact of changing traffic conditions on air quality, decarbonization, and congestion. Additionally, it explores generative AI-based virtual reality applications to improve citizen interaction (for instance, simplifying the consultation and understanding of planned urban changes). The CitiVerse EDIC currently involves 14 EU Member States and is rapidly expanding.
EDIC for European Blockchain Partnership and European Blockchain Service Infrastructure ([notranslate]EUROPEUM-EDIC[/notranslate])
This EDIC will develop the existing ecosystem of the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI). It will further deploy and expand the exploitation of the EBSI to deliver EU-wide cross-border services, in particular public services. The aim of the EDIC is to reinforce trust and cyber resilience in compliance with EU regulation, including the newly adopted European Digital Identity framework. It will also support cross-border cooperation between public authorities on Web3 and decentralised technologies, promoting innovation and interoperability of such solutions with other technologies.
Benefits and the purpose of an [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]
[notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]s combine a number of benefits for projects in the area of digital, which go beyond research. For instance, Member States hold the majority of votes in the members' assembly, which gives them a decisive role in the governance of each [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]. Specifically, Member States have the flexibility to tailor the internal structure of each [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate], including members' contributions, voting rights, governance bodies, and other aspects of implementation and governance, through the customization of [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate] statutes. To maximize impact across the EU, [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]s will stay open to the participation of all Member States on fair and reasonable terms throughout their duration.
As an implementation mechanism for multi-country projects, [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]s can be used both for establishing of new infrastructures and the operating existing ones (provided that joining the consortium adds value to ongoing activities, such as enhancing sustainability over time). If acknowledged as an international organisation, [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]s may be eligible for VAT and excise duty exemptions on goods or services, in accordance with the applicable directives.
How to set up an [notranslate]EDIC[/notranslate]?
Upon reviewing the applications of the founding Member States, the Commission will, issue an implementing decision to establish the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium. The decision is made in consultation with the Digital Decade Policy Programme Committee and is subject to meeting all the requirements outlined in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030.
For additional information and assistance regarding multi-country projects, please contact our dedicated team at: CNECT-MCP-ACCELERATOR@ec.europa.eu.
Background information on multi-country projects
Multi-country projects should allow for large-scale intervention in key areas necessary for the achievement of the digital objectives and targets set out in the Digital Decade Policy Programme Decision . They pool resources from the Union, Member States and, where appropriate, private sources. Multi-country projects should be implemented in a coordinated manner, in close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States. Further, they should aim to achieve one or more of the following specific goals:
(a) improving the cooperation between the Union and the Member States and among the Member States in achieving the general objectives;
(b) reinforcing the Union’s technological excellence, leadership, innovation and industrial competitiveness in critical technologies, complementary technology combinations, and digital products, infrastructure and services that are essential for economic recovery and growth and for the security and safety of individuals;
(c) addressing strategic vulnerabilities and dependencies of the Union along the digital supply chains in order to enhance their resilience;
(d) increasing the availability, and promoting the best use, of safe digital solutions in areas of public interest and the private sector while observing the principles of technological neutrality;
(e) contributing to an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation of the economy and society that benefits all citizens and businesses, in particular SMEs, across the Union;
(f) promoting digital skills for citizens through education, training and life-long learning, with a focus on fostering gender balanced participation in education and career opportunities.
An indicative list of possible areas of activity in which multi-country projects addressing those specific objectives has been established in the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 Decision Annex. Other areas might be added in the future.
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