€16.2 Million for AI, data, cloud, digital skills and cybersecurity innovations
The European Commission has recently set the new budget of € 1.7 billion for the Digital Europe Programme (2025–2027). This programme supports innovative projects in the areas of AI, data, cloud, cybersecurity and digital skills. To further encourage participation from Dutch parties, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has made € 16.2 million available in national co-financing.
This additional funding complements the EU contribution, allowing businesses, research institutions, and governments to receive a larger reimbursement of their project cost.
The Netherlands leads the way
Dutch entrepreneurs and research institutions currently receive the largest share of funding from the Digital Europe Programme among all 27 EU countries. In 2024, this amounted to 11.7% of the total, roughly €46 million. The national co-financing strengthens this position and contributes to a strong digital economy in the Netherlands.
Taking extra steps for an innovative digital economy
The government’s ambition is for the Netherlands to be among the top three European countries in the use of digital technologies by SMEs by 2030. To achieve this, more investments are needed in technologies such as AI, cloud, data and cybersecurity. Digital innovations play an important role in reducing risky dependencies on other countries, strengthening the digital economy, and enhancing cybersecurity.
"It is crucial that we take an extra step towards an innovative digital economy, as it's one of the driving forces behind our future jobs and income. It is also necessary for greater digital independence and security. Through Digital Europe, we are supporting start-ups, SMEs, manufacturing and tech companies to invest in this area together with research institutions and governments."
Work Programmes 2025–2027
The European Commission has recently published the new Digital Europe work programmes. View the work programmes (in Dutch) to find out which topics you can apply for for funding.
