The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) has outlined ambitious plans to fight emerging cyber threats, including those posed by artificial intelligence and quantum computing. According to a leaked draft of its first work programme for the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), the ECCC is set to roll out significant funding opportunities between 2025 and 2027.

Major Investments in AI Cybersecurity and Post-Quantum Solutions
The programme sets a tentative budget of €353 million, with €127 million earmarked for advancing cutting-edge technologies like AI and post-quantum cryptography. Of this, €45 million will fund annual calls aimed at developing AI-powered cybersecurity tools to enhance the ability of national authorities to detect, analyse, and prevent cyber threats more effectively.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a central focus of the ECCC’s plans. Recognizing the limited resources SMEs often have for cybersecurity, the programme aims to create practical toolkits to help them mitigate cyber risks. These solutions may build on insights gained from Horizon Europe-funded projects.

Preparing for the Quantum Computing Era
While quantum computing promises revolutionary advancements, it also poses serious risks to current cryptographic systems, potentially making sensitive data vulnerable to breaches. To counter this, the ECCC prioritizes transitioning to post-quantum cryptography—new systems designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers.

To support this shift, €25 million has been allocated to establish a European testing infrastructure for post-quantum cryptography. This facility will be open to companies, researchers, and public organisations, with a strong emphasis on aiding SMEs.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience Across the EU
In addition to funding AI and quantum-related initiatives, the ECCC has set aside €111 million to implement the EU’s Cyber Solidarity Act. This legislation, adopted last year, aims to enhance Europe’s ability to detect, prepare for, and respond to cyber threats.

A further €106 million will be used for projects focused on bolstering cyber resilience, including strengthening the network of National Coordination Centres and supporting the implementation of EU cybersecurity regulations. In 2026, €10 million will fund projects fostering collaboration between civilian and defence sectors, focusing on dual-use technologies such as prototypes and shared infrastructure.

Eligibility Restrictions for Security Reasons
Security concerns have influenced the eligibility criteria for some projects. For sensitive initiatives like deploying AI cybersecurity tools, entities controlled by non-EU countries are excluded from participation, with exceptions made for Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, which are fully associated with the Digital Europe Programme.

What’s Next?
Designed to bridge the gap between research and market deployment of digital technologies, the DEP – €8.1 billion initiative by the European Union – will launch its 2025 cybersecurity calls during the first half of the year. These calls will remain open until the second half of the year, with project evaluations expected to take place in early 2026.

Although the initial programme remains subject to changes, its emphasis on AI, post-quantum cryptography, and SME support highlights the ECCC’s mission to fortify Europe’s cybersecurity landscape.