Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme and repealing Decision (EU) 2015/2240 (DEP)
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Summary
Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishes the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) for 2021–2027 to support the deployment and uptake of strategic digital capacities in the EU. It provides EU funding for areas such as high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and the deployment of interoperable digital solutions, including support through European Digital Innovation Hubs. The Regulation also sets governance, implementation, monitoring and evaluation rules and repeals Decision (EU) 2015/2240.
Who is affected?
Entities applying for and implementing DEP funding (e.g., companies including SMEs and mid-caps, public administrations, research and technology organisations, universities and other legal entities) established in EU Member States and, where applicable, in associated countries. Certain actions may be subject to eligibility and security-related restrictions, including for participation by entities controlled from third countries.
Scope
The Regulation covers EU-level funding and implementation rules for the Digital Europe Programme for the 2021–2027 period, supporting deployment and uptake of key digital capacities and interoperable digital services across the Union.
Key Points
- Establishes the Digital Europe Programme (2021–2027) and its objectives, priorities and intervention areas (including HPC, AI, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and deployment/interoperability of digital solutions).
- Provides for implementation through work programmes and funding mechanisms such as grants, procurement, prizes and blending operations, with monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements.
- Supports a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) to help SMEs, mid-caps and the public sector test and adopt digital technologies and access expertise and facilities.
- Includes provisions on participation/eligibility, including possible restrictions for duly justified security reasons and requirements linked to ethics and security where relevant.
- Sets governance arrangements and coordination with other Union programmes and instruments to avoid duplication and maximise impact (e.g., complementarity with research and innovation funding).
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Regulation (EU) 2021/694 (Digital Europe Programme)?
Entities seeking funding or participating in actions under the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) must comply, including companies (SMEs, mid-caps), public administrations, research and technology organisations, universities, and other legal entities established in EU Member States or, where eligible, associated countries.
What is the main objective of the Digital Europe Programme (DEP)?
The DEP aims to support the deployment and uptake of strategic digital capacities in the EU, focusing on areas such as high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and interoperable digital solutions.
What types of activities are eligible for funding under the DEP?
Eligible activities include projects related to high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and the deployment of interoperable digital solutions, often facilitated through European Digital Innovation Hubs.
Are there any restrictions on participation in DEP-funded actions?
Yes, certain actions may have eligibility and security-related restrictions, particularly for entities controlled from third countries or where justified for security or ethical reasons.
What are the key obligations for entities receiving DEP funding?
Recipients must comply with the programme’s rules on implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, as well as adhere to any specific requirements related to ethics, security, and eligibility.
What penalties apply for non-compliance with the Regulation?
Non-compliance can result in the withdrawal or recovery of funding, exclusion from future calls, and other administrative or financial penalties as specified in the grant agreements and EU financial regulations.
How does the DEP interact with other EU programmes?
The DEP is designed to be complementary to other EU programmes, such as Horizon Europe, ensuring coordination to avoid duplication and maximise the impact of EU investments in digital transformation.
What practical steps should an organisation take to apply for DEP funding?
Organisations should monitor calls for proposals published by the European Commission, ensure they meet eligibility criteria, prepare project proposals aligned with DEP objectives, and comply with application and reporting requirements.
What is the duration of the Digital Europe Programme?
The DEP covers the period from 2021 to 2027, with funding and actions planned and implemented throughout these years.
What mechanisms are in place to monitor and evaluate DEP projects?
The Regulation requires regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of funded actions to assess progress, impact, and compliance with objectives, using indicators and methodologies set out in work programmes.
Key Terms
- European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)
- A network of centres supported by the DEP to help SMEs, mid-caps, and public sector bodies test and adopt digital technologies, providing access to expertise and facilities.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC)
- Advanced computing systems and infrastructure supported by the DEP to enhance the EU’s computing capacity for research, industry, and public services.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- A key intervention area under the DEP, focusing on the development, deployment, and uptake of AI technologies across sectors in the EU.
- Cybersecurity
- A strategic area supported by the DEP to strengthen the EU’s capabilities in protecting digital infrastructure, data, and services from cyber threats.
- Advanced Digital Skills
- Training and education initiatives funded by the DEP to equip the workforce with high-level digital competencies needed for the digital transformation.
- Interoperable Digital Solutions
- Digital services and systems that can operate across borders and sectors, promoted by the DEP to ensure seamless digital public services in the EU.
- Work Programme
- A planning document adopted by the Commission outlining the priorities, actions, and funding allocations for DEP implementation over specific periods.
- Associated Countries
- Non-EU countries that have entered into agreements with the EU to participate in the DEP under specified conditions.
- Blending Operations
- Financial mechanisms combining DEP grants with other sources of public or private financing to support larger-scale digital projects.
- Security-related Restrictions
- Limitations on participation or funding eligibility in certain DEP actions, imposed to protect the EU’s security interests or address ethical concerns.