European Commission’s New Funding Calls to Focus on Digital Skills
The European Commission has launched four new calls under the Digital Europe Programme, committing €140 million to accelerate the deployment of key digital technologies, with a strong emphasis on developing advanced digital skills across the EU. The calls are open until 2 September 2025.
EU Invests €1.3 Billion to Boost AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Innovation
The European Commission has allocated €1.3 billion under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) for 2025-2027 to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty. The funding will support the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud and data infrastructure, cyber resilience, and digital skills, with a focus on business and public sector adoption.
EU Unveils “Union of Skills” to Boost Tech Talent and Competitiveness
The European Commission has launched the Union of Skills, a flagship initiative within its first 100 days, designed to strengthen the EU’s human capital and global competitiveness—particularly in the technology and innovation sectors. A key focus is attracting and retaining top tech and digital talent.
EU Launches €200 Billion InvestAI Initiative to Establish AI Gigafactories
At the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of InvestAI, a new initiative aimed at mobilising €200 billion in AI investments.
EU Study Highlights Challenges for a European Digital Skills Certificate
A new feasibility study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has highlighted limited readiness among EU Member States for implementing a European Digital Skills Certificate (EDSC). The study underscores the need for significant efforts to establish a certification system, with stakeholders suggesting an enhanced focus on the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) to better support digital skills certification across Europe.
European Commission Publishes First Draft of General-Purpose AI Code of Practice
On 14 November, the European Commission released the first draft of its General-Purpose Artificial Intelligence (AI) Code of Practice, aiming to set foundational guidelines for the responsible development and deployment of general-purpose AI across the EU.
Join CONNECT University Session on EU’s Digital Policy on 3 October
You are invited to join the next CONNECT University session on the “Digital Decade Report 2024: Setting the Scene for the New EU Digital Policy Agenda.” The live event will take place on 3 October, from 10:30 to 12:00. It is organised by the European Commission.
Open Letter Calls on Academics to Oppose EU’s Proposed Child Sexual Abuse Regulation
An open letter has been issued by scientists and researchers across Europe, expressing deep concerns over the EU’s latest proposal for child sexual abuse regulation, which mandates client-side scanning on encrypted messaging platforms to detect Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
AI Act Enters into Force & Commission Consults on Code of Conduct for AI Providers
The EU’s AI Act entered into force on 1 August, starting a two-year process of implementation. Between now and the start of August next year, governments across the EU will appoint national authorities for AI. Other provisions will be gradually brought into force over time, with most rules applying from 2 August 2026.
European AI Act Enters into Force, Setting Global Precedent
On 1 August, the European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, officially took effect. Aimed at ensuring trustworthy AI development and usage within the EU, the AI Act establishes safeguards to protect fundamental rights while fostering innovation and investment in AI technology.
