As first reported by Industrial Cyber, the European Commission has launched a €145.5 million initiative to help public institutions and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) enhance cybersecurity capabilities. A major focus lies in protecting healthcare providers, with €30 million of the first funding call—under the Digital Europe Programme—dedicated to improving cybersecurity in hospitals. This comes as ransomware and state-sponsored threats increasingly exploit outdated systems in critical healthcare infrastructure.
The healthcare-specific funds will support pilot projects across the EU to detect and respond to threats, set up Security Operations Centres (SOCs), and deploy tools like threat intelligence platforms and SIEM systems. These projects will also include hands-on demo implementations, cybersecurity training for medical staff, and wide-scale dissemination of best practices across member states.
Advancing Innovation and Cyber Capabilities
The second call, under Horizon Europe and backed by €90.5 million, focuses on cutting-edge R&D. It aims to support the development of generative AI for cybersecurity, post-quantum cryptography, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks aligned with EU directives like NIS2 and the Cyber Solidarity Act. Emphasis is placed on securing ICT and OT systems, launching digital twins of critical infrastructure, and enhancing cross-border cyber crisis management and SOC/CSIRT capabilities.
Supporting SMEs and a Unified Cyber Market
The initiative also seeks to close the Digital Single Market gap by promoting the commercialisation of European cybersecurity products, especially for startups and SMEs. A proposed platform will allow these firms to showcase “market-ready” solutions EU-wide, acting as a springboard into international markets. Additionally, National Coordination Centres (NCCs) are empowered to choose activities supporting local cybersecurity ecosystems, education efforts, and public awareness campaigns—laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and industry growth.
Key Deadlines and Strategic Alignment
Applications for the Digital Europe call close October 7, while Horizon Europe proposals are due November 12. Both are overseen by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. This funding boost aligns with the recent adoption of the EU Cyber Blueprint, which establishes a coordinated crisis response model across member states, highlighting the EU’s commitment to collective cybersecurity defense amid a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
