Amid rising digital threats and geopolitical instability, the European Commission has launched a major funding initiative to enhance cybersecurity capabilities across the continent. With a total of €145.5 million allocated through two calls for proposals, the initiative aims to support both public and private sectors in strengthening their digital defences. Notably, a significant portion of this funding targets the healthcare sector, reflecting the growing vulnerability of hospitals and healthcare providers to cyberattacks. These investments align with the EU's broader strategy to boost cyber resilience, especially in critical areas such as healthcare infrastructure.
Securing Healthcare Infrastructure
The first call, launched under the Digital Europe Programme, dedicates €55 million to help small and medium-sized enterprises as well as public administrations adopt and implement cybersecurity solutions. From this amount, €30 million is specifically reserved for hospitals and healthcare providers. The goal is to equip these organisations with the means to better detect, monitor and respond to cyber threats. In recent years, the healthcare sector has become an attractive target for cybercriminals, particularly with the increasing prevalence of ransomware attacks that disrupt operations and compromise patient data. The new funding aims to address these risks by supporting the implementation of advanced cybersecurity measures. By strengthening the resilience of healthcare providers, the EU seeks to ensure the continuity and safety of essential medical services across member states.
This initiative complements the EU action plan on cybersecurity in hospitals and healthcare, which seeks to address sector-specific challenges through practical support and policy development. It reflects the recognition that healthcare institutions, often limited in resources and digital capacity, require targeted assistance to meet modern cybersecurity demands. The funding call encourages the deployment of already-validated solutions, bridging the gap between research outcomes and real-world application in clinical settings. As healthcare systems face increasing digitalisation, these investments are essential to protect sensitive health data and ensure patient safety.
Driving Innovation in Cybersecurity Tools
The second call for proposals falls under the Horizon Europe Programme and carries a budget of €90.5 million. This call focuses on supporting research and innovation in areas that are critical to the future of cybersecurity. Key priorities include the development of generative AI applications tailored for cybersecurity purposes, the creation of new operational tools and processes, and the advancement of privacy-enhancing technologies and post-quantum cryptography. These themes highlight the EU’s ambition not only to respond to current cyber risks but also to proactively anticipate emerging threats through technological innovation.
Generative AI, for example, holds the potential to revolutionise how cyber threats are detected and neutralised. By automating threat analysis and response strategies, these tools can significantly reduce response times and enhance accuracy. Similarly, investments in post-quantum cryptography aim to future-proof critical systems against quantum-enabled attacks. The inclusion of privacy-enhancing technologies also aligns with the EU’s commitment to safeguarding personal data, particularly in light of evolving regulatory requirements and public expectations. The Horizon Europe call is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, technology developers and cybersecurity firms, fostering cross-sector collaboration and knowledge transfer.
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This approach underscores the EU's recognition of cybersecurity as a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, where continued investment in innovation is key to maintaining resilience. It also promotes the uptake of research outputs by operational actors, helping to close the gap between laboratory and field. The support for emerging technologies reinforces the strategic autonomy of the EU in the digital domain, ensuring that member states are not reliant on external solutions for critical cybersecurity capabilities.
Access, Eligibility and Deadlines
Both calls for proposals are administered by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre, which coordinates efforts to strengthen cybersecurity across the Union. The application process is managed via the EU Funding and Tenders Portal, where all relevant documentation and eligibility criteria are available. Interested parties must submit their applications by 7 October for the Digital Europe call and by 12 November for the Horizon Europe call. Each call outlines specific expectations for project outcomes, partnership composition and alignment with broader EU policy objectives.
The selection process is designed to ensure that funded projects deliver tangible cybersecurity benefits and demonstrate scalability, sustainability and impact. Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises, public administrations, research institutions and other relevant organisations operating within the EU. The structure of these calls reflects a dual emphasis on practical deployment and strategic research, allowing for both immediate improvements in cyber defences and long-term advancements in cybersecurity capabilities.
In addition to financial support, successful applicants may benefit from increased visibility and collaboration opportunities across the European cybersecurity ecosystem. The calls also encourage the reuse and upscaling of existing research results, helping to maximise the return on prior EU investments in digital innovation. Through this coordinated funding approach, the European Commission aims to foster a robust and interconnected cybersecurity environment that serves both public and private interests.
The European Union's latest cybersecurity funding initiative represents a strategic response to growing digital threats, particularly in sensitive sectors such as healthcare. By allocating €145.5 million across two complementary funding calls, the EU is addressing both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term needs. Healthcare providers will receive critical support to enhance their cyber defences, while researchers and innovators will be empowered to develop next-generation solutions for a secure digital future. These investments demonstrate the EU’s commitment to digital resilience, supporting a safer and more autonomous digital landscape for all its citizens.
Source: European Commission
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