CEF DIGITAL 2024: Open Calls to Boost Digital Connectivity in Europe

Discover the open calls under Connecting Europe Facility – CEF Digital, focused on digital connectivity and the deployment of key infrastructures across Europe.

The CEF-DIG-2024 is an essential component of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, driving digital transformation in Europe through the funding of key infrastructures. This programme, specifically focused on the digital aspect (CEF-DIG), is designed to support projects that promote digital connectivity within the European Union, helping to reduce the digital divide and improve technological infrastructure across Europe. In this article, we will explore the key details of the programme, the types of projects it funds, the requirements for eligible organisations, and the five open calls currently available for funding applications.

What is CEF DIGITAL 2024?

The CEF Digital 2024 programme is part of the broader Connecting Europe framework, with the main goal of developing and implementing high-performance digital infrastructures. The funding under CEF-DIG is aimed at projects that improve connectivity through advanced technologies such as 5G, submarine cable infrastructure, and quantum communication networks.

Through this programme, the European Union seeks to create a robust digital network that ensures digital inclusion for all citizens and businesses, fostering the digital economy, technological innovation, and sustainability across the region.

What Types of Projects Does CEF-DIG-2024 Fund?

The CEF Digital 2024 programme funds infrastructure projects that address the following key areas:

• Backbone Connectivity Networks: Projects that deploy high-capacity connectivity infrastructure, including submarine cables, fibre optic networks, and satellite solutions, to ensure reliable access to high-speed internet across all EU regions.
• 5G and Edge Computing Infrastructure: The creation of 5G networks to enable high-speed connectivity in rural, urban, and cross-border areas, integrating edge computing capabilities to support innovative applications in key sectors such as mobility, healthcare, and agriculture.
• Quantum Communications: The implementation of quantum communication infrastructure in the EU, creating secure networks to protect sensitive data communications, especially in public and research sectors.
• Connectivity in Transport Corridors: The deployment of 5G networks along key transport corridors in the EU, such as the TEN-T networks, to support connected and automated mobility, improving safety and transport efficiency.

Which Organisations Can Access?

The CEF-DIG-2024 programme is open to a range of organisations, both public and private, that play a role in developing digital infrastructure. Eligible applicants include:

• Local and Regional Operators: Companies that manage telecommunications infrastructures and network services.
• Local and Regional Public Authorities: Local and regional governments working to improve digital connectivity within their territories.
• Technology and Infrastructure Providers: Companies that offer technological solutions such as cables, equipment, base stations, and other components necessary for projects.
• Universities and Research Institutions: Organisations dedicated to the development of new technologies and digital solutions.

The 5 Open Calls of CEF-DIG-2024

Below, we explore the five open calls currently under the CEF-DIG-2024 programme, offering a unique opportunity for organisations to participate in the development of large-scale digital infrastructures.

1. CEF-DIG-2024-GATEWAYS-STUDIES | Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways – Studies

• Opening date: 22 October 2024
• Closing date: 13 February 2025
• Funding type: CEF Project Grants
• Description: This call supports studies for the deployment of backbone connectivity networks between EU Member States and third countries. It focuses on improving connectivity in remote or underserved regions and contributing to the EU’s Digital Global Gateway Strategy.

2. CEF-DIG-2024-GATEWAYS-WORKS | Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways – Works

• Opening date: 22 October 2024
• Closing date: 13 February 2025
• Funding type: CEF Infrastructure Projects
• Description: This call covers the deployment of strategic backbone networks, including the construction of submarine cables, terrestrial networks, and satellite solutions, connecting regions and Member States of the EU.

3. CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-SMARTCOM-WORKS | 5G large scale pilots – 5G and Edge for Smart Communities – Works

• Opening date: 22 October 2024
• Closing date: 13 February 2025
• Funding type: CEF Infrastructure Projects
• Description: This call supports the deployment of 5G SA networks in smart communities, accelerating the adoption of 5G for innovative applications in sectors such as healthcare, education, and connected mobility.

4. CEF-DIG-2024-EUROQCI-WORKS | European Quantum Communication Infrastructure – The EuroQCI initiative – Works

• Opening date: 22 October 2024
• Closing date: 13 February 2025
• Funding type: CEF Infrastructure Projects
• Description: This call focuses on implementing the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), which includes creating secure quantum networks to protect sensitive data in the EU.

5. CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-CORRIDORS-WORKS | 5G large scale pilots – 5G coverage along Transport Corridors – Works

• Opening date: 22 October 2024
• Closing date: 13 February 2025
• Funding type: CEF Infrastructure Projects
• Description: This call seeks to deploy 5G infrastructure along EU transport corridors, such as the TEN-T networks, to ensure continuous coverage in transport networks and promote connected mobility.

The CEF-DIG-2024 programme provides an excellent opportunity to fund projects that enhance Europe’s digital infrastructure, supporting the deployment of 5G networks, quantum communications, and backbone connectivity infrastructures that strengthen the digital economy across the continent. The open calls provide an opportunity for organisations, from operators to public authorities, to collaborate on building a more connected and digital Europe. If your organisation is involved in developing digital infrastructure, do not miss the chance to submit your proposal to these open calls.

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