New CEF-Digital calls open: €323 million available to co-finance digital connectivity infrastructures
2024 marks a significant step towards advancing digital infrastructure in Europe with the opening of calls under the programme Connecting Europe Facility for Digital (CEF-Digital). The European Union has made available a fund of €323 million to co-finance projects aimed at improving digital connectivity on the continent. This initiative is the first call launched under the second Work Programme for the digital part of the CEF, which defines the objectives and actions supported by the EU to enhance digital connectivity infrastructures until 2027. The total amount of funding foreseen for actions in this area is around €865 million over the period 2024-2027.
The calls are aimed at projects covering strategic areas for European digitalisation and connectivity. The main areas of intervention include:
- Large-scale pilots for 5G: With a dedicated budget of €105 million, this section aims to finance large-scale standalone 5G infrastructure, thus facilitating the deployment of 5G technology across various sectors and regions.
- Backbone Connectivity for Global Digital Gateways: With a budget of €128 million, this initiative focuses mainly on submarine and terrestrial cables, essential to ensure a robust and interconnected communication network between member countries and beyond.
- Quantum Communication Infrastructure – Iniziativa EuroQCI: With a budget of €90 million, this project aims to develop a quantum communication infrastructure for connections between Member States, including overseas territories. This cutting-edge technology represents a crucial step towards a more secure and cyber-resistant communication system.
CEF-Digital calls are open to public or private entities, including joint ventures, established in EU Member States and overseas territories. Cross-border and international cooperation is allowed, provided that it complies with the conditions set out in each call. It is important to note that participation is subject to security restrictions specified in the text of each call, which implies the need to comply with stringent requirements to ensure the security of information and infrastructure.
Applications to participate in the calls must be submitted by February 13, 2025.
For more information: info@iniziativa.cc
