The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) has launched a new cybersecurity funding call under the Digital Europe Programme 2025-2027, with a total budget of €50 million. The initiative targets both companies and public sector organisations that are developing innovative cybersecurity projects to enhance Europe’s cyber resilience and protect critical digital infrastructure.
A key focus of the call is on AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, with €15 million allocated to support tools, technologies, and services that can be deployed in cyber hubs or sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). This includes early warning systems, threat detection, and incident response capabilities to strengthen overall digital security.
Another €15 million is dedicated to the uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This aims to help SMEs enhance their digital resilience through the deployment of advanced security technologies, addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges they face.
The call also allocates €10 million for coordinated preparedness testing, aimed at government organisations. This funding supports stress tests, simulations, and other activities to strengthen the capacity of critical infrastructure operators in preventing and responding to cyber incidents.
An additional €10 million is focused on establishing regional cable hubs for submarine cables, also targeted at government organisations. These hubs will enhance threat detection and operational security around strategically important infrastructures.
The funding call opened on 28 October 2025 and will remain open until 31 March 2026. Additionally, for the first two topics, the Dutch government plans to provide national co-financing through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, allowing Dutch participants to cover a larger portion of their project costs.
