DIGITAL 2026: calls opened in April

What is Digital Programme?

The DIGITAL 2026 programme stands as one of the European Union’s strategic pillars to accelerate digital transformation during the 2025–2027 period. Through a wide range of calls, this funding instrument promotes the development of advanced technological capabilities, supports the adoption of artificial intelligence, and strengthens digital skills across all sectors.

In April 2026, the European Commission launched a significant set of calls under the DIGITAL 2026 framework, opening new opportunities for companies, public administrations, research centres and educational institutions.

These calls stand out for their practical, results-oriented approach, as they focus not only on research but also on the real deployment of digital solutions in key areas such as healthcare, public administration and education.

When do the DIGITAL 2026 calls open?

On 21 April 2026, multiple calls under the DIGITAL 2026 programme officially opened, with a general deadline of 1 October 2026, except for specific cases.

This funding package includes several thematic strands addressing Europe’s major digital challenges: artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, digital education and digital public services.

Below is an overview of the most relevant open calls and their potential impact.

Digital skills calls

Boosting national digital skills coalitions

The call DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-10-NATIONAL-COALITIONS aims to strengthen the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform by consolidating existing national coalitions and expanding their reach.

This initiative seeks to:

• Increase the number of active coalitions across Europe
• Improve interoperability between national platforms
• Facilitate access to digital training and employment

It also includes cascade funding for third parties of up to €150,000 per entity, opening opportunities for SMEs, clusters and local organisations.

Advanced training in artificial intelligence for healthcare

Another key call is DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-10-DIGITAL-HEALTH-STEP, focused on developing advanced digital skills in the healthcare sector.

Its objective is clear: to reduce the skills gap in technologies such as AI applied to healthcare through:

• Training programmes co-designed with industry and academia
• Collaboration with European AI centres
• Creation of regularly updated training catalogues

This approach responds to an urgent need: the shortage of hybrid profiles capable of combining technology and sector-specific expertise.

Innovation and technology uptake calls

Digital solutions for regulatory compliance

The call DIGITAL-2026-AI-DATA-10-COMPLIANCE promotes the use of advanced technologies to automate regulatory processes.

Specifically, it aims to:

• Reduce administrative burden for companies
• Automate reporting through AI and data analytics
• Ensure data security and privacy

These projects are particularly relevant in sectors such as energy, manufacturing and the environment, where compliance is complex and resource-intensive.

AI pilots in clinical environments

Meanwhile, the call DIGITAL-2026-AI-PILOTING-10-SCREENING supports the deployment of AI systems for medical imaging diagnostics.

Its objectives include:

• Validation of AI solutions in real-world settings
• Integration into existing clinical workflows
• Evaluation of efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Such initiatives reinforce Europe’s strategy to position AI as a core component of healthcare systems.

Digital health and data

European Health Data Space (EHDS)

The call DIGITAL-2026-BESTUSE-10-EHDS focuses on deploying infrastructures and digital services linked to the European Health Data Space.

Its impact is structured around three strands:

1. Capacity building for public authorities and healthcare providers
2. Management and reuse of health data
3. Training for digital service providers

It also introduces cascade funding of up to €120,000 per third party, encouraging broad participation.

This initiative directly contributes to the EU goal of ensuring universal access to electronic health records by 2030.

Digital ecosystem and startup support

European EdTech Accelerator

The call DIGITAL-2026-SKILLS-10-EDTECH supports startups and SMEs in the education technology sector.

Key features include:

• 12-month acceleration programmes
• Funding for pilots in real environments
• Access to investors and markets

This initiative aims to strengthen a competitive European EdTech ecosystem aligned with programmes such as GENAI4EU.

Public administration and digital governance

Connected and interoperable public administrations

The call DIGITAL-2026-BESTUSE-MCP-09-INNOV-ADMIN (with a deadline of 19 May 2026) focuses on cross-border digital public services.

Its objectives are to:

• Improve interoperability between administrations
• Enable seamless data exchange
• Develop citizen-centred digital services

These projects are essential for building an integrated European digital administration.

Digital security and society

Network of Safer Internet Centres

The call DIGITAL-2026-BESTUSE-10-NETWORKSICs addresses the protection of minors in the digital environment.

It includes actions such as:

• Awareness-raising programmes
• Helplines and support services
• Tools to tackle online risks

This reinforces the social dimension of the DIGITAL 2026 programme, beyond purely technological aspects.

Research, coordination and ecosystem support

Tackling information integrity through research

The call DIGITAL-2026-BESTUSE-RSF-10-AWARENESS focuses on building a European framework for research on information integrity.

Key objectives include:

• Developing infrastructure for analysing information environments
• Supporting research projects and tools
• Facilitating access to data and analytical capabilities

Additionally, the call promotes collaboration between researchers and civil society, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.

Supporting European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs)

The DIGITAL-2026-BESTUSE-MCP-10-HUB call aims to establish a support hub for EDICs, which are essential for large-scale digital projects across Europe.

This hub will:

• Provide legal and operational guidance
• Improve coordination between Member States
• Strengthen governance and sustainability of EDICs

Consequently, it contributes to building a more resilient and integrated European digital ecosystem.

Cybersecurity deployment

Cybersecurity capacity building coordination hub

The call DIGITAL-ECCC-2026-DEPLOY-CYBER-10-CBCH focuses on strengthening coordination in cybersecurity capacity building across Europe.

Its main goals are:

• Enhancing collaboration between cybersecurity actors
• Supporting the implementation of EU cybersecurity strategies
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices

This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of increasing cyber threats and the need for coordinated European responses.

National Coordination Centres (NCCs) support

The DIGITAL-ECCC-2026-DEPLOY-CYBER-10-NCH call targets the reinforcement of National Coordination Centres within the European Cybersecurity Competence Network.

It aims to:

• Strengthen national cybersecurity ecosystems
• Improve cooperation between Member States
• Support innovation and deployment of cybersecurity solutions

As a result, these actions contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy in cybersecurity and resilience against digital risks.

Strategic insights of the DIGITAL 2026 programme

The calls launched in April highlight several key trends:

1. Focus on real implementation

Projects prioritise deployment over purely theoretical research.

2. AI integration across sectors

Artificial intelligence acts as a cross-cutting driver, especially in healthcare and public administration.

3. Development of digital talent

Europe aims to close the skills gap through advanced training initiatives.

4. Collaborative ecosystems

Cooperation between countries, sectors and stakeholders is strongly encouraged.

5. Cascade funding mechanisms

Many calls include financial support to third parties, increasing overall impact.

Why invest in DIGITAL 2026?

The April calls confirm DIGITAL 2026 as a major European funding instrument for digital innovation.

It offers more than just funding—it provides a strategic opportunity to:

• Position within European ecosystems
• Access cutting-edge technologies
• Scale digital solutions

Ultimately, these open calls represent a unique window to drive impactful digital transformation projects across Europe.