Information security now!
The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) has opened new calls for proposals under the Digital Europe (DEP) and Horizon Europe (HE) Programmes with a combined budget of up to EUR 145.5 million.
Digital Europe Programme supports the uptake of modern cybersecurity solutions and the implementation of the results of the latest cybersecurity research. In addition, the funding available will help to address the new requirements of cybersecurity regulations. The first call round of 2025 (12.6.-7.10.2025) funds the operations of the National Coordination Centres. In addition, the following calls are open for cybersecurity professionals:
- Dedicated action to reinforcing hospitals and healthcare providers (External link) is aimed at hospitals, healthcare providers, and their cybersecurity solution providers. The funding will be awarded to international consortia that pilot new cybersecurity solutions and train the healthcare staff in cybersecure operating models.
- Within the topic of post-quantum cryptography funding will be awarded to the transition to post-quantum Public Key Infrastructures . The call looks to ensure resilience against threats posed by quantum-capable adversaries.
Upcoming later in 2025
More calls will open in the last quarter of 2025 to cover additional cybersecurity topics. According to the work programme, these topics will cover:
- Cybersecurity solutions utilising generative AI will get their own call. Funding will be available for topics covering e.g. threat detection, incident response, security data analysis, and vulnerability identification. Other types of cybersecurity solutions using generative AI can also be viable for funding.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially encouraged to participate in Digital Europe projects with their own call on the uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions. SMEs have an increased funding rate in this specific call.
- A second post-quantum cryptography (PQC) topic call will be published, with a focus on setting up a European testing infrastructure for PQC solutions.
- Public administrations will also be funded through a call on testing coordinated preparedness. Projects can cover penetration testing services to be offered to critical infrastructure and the uptake of digital testing solutions. In the coming years, this topic will be expanded to also include participants beyond public administrations.
Additional information and support
Detailed information on both current and upcoming cybersecurity calls can be found in the Digital Europe Cybersecurity Work Programme and, once the calls are opened, in the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders Portal. Additionally, the cybersecurity research funding calls under the Horizon Europe programme have also opened. These funding calls include, among other things, the application of generative AI in cybersecurity as well as several topics related to post-quantum cryptography. More information about these calls can be found in the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal (External link).
The National Coordination Centre offers free support and advice:
- Guidance on finding and applying for suitable calls
- Training and instruction on preparing a project proposal
- Support in searching for project partners
Find out more on our website at koordinointikeskus.fi or contact us: ncc-fi@traficom.fi.