The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) is delivering tangible progress in Europe’s digital transformation, according to a recent interim evaluation. With a budget of €8.16 billion for 2021–2027, the programme has achieved concrete results across key strategic digital areas.
Among its flagship achievements is the funding of JUPITER, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, supporting the development of AI factories and Common European Data Spaces. DIGITAL has also enabled the rollout of 169 European Digital Innovation Hubs, which have already supported more than 90,000 companies and organisations across the EU.
The programme has made significant contributions to skills, technology and security. Over 20,700 people have received training in digital skills, while large-scale AI Testing and Experimentation Facilities have been set up to support the development and validation of AI models. In the semiconductor domain, five advanced facilities have been created to develop cutting-edge chip technologies and designs. Cybersecurity has also been strengthened, with more than €194 million invested between 2021 and 2024 in Security Operations Centres, or Cyber Hubs, reinforcing Europe’s response to cyber threats.
The evaluation confirms DIGITAL’s strategic role in implementing major EU digital policies, including the Chips Act, Data Act, Cyber Resilience Act and AI Act, and highlights its importance in adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
While progress is strong, the report identifies remaining challenges, notably the need to raise awareness of the programme in some Member States and to simplify coordination between funding sources and administrative procedures. The Commission is actively addressing these issues to improve accessibility and efficiency.
Covering the period up to the end of 2024, the findings of the evaluation have also informed the design of the proposed European Competitiveness Fund under the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
