Digital Europe - Deployment Actions in Cybersecurity

The measure supports public and private entities in the European Union, promoting the deployment of Security Operations Centres (SOC) across national and cross-border platforms. It aims to strengthen the EU’s capacity to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats, enhance cooperation between Member States, and foster the development of innovative cybersecurity technologies and infrastructures.

Type of Project

• Projects that support the establishment or strengthening of National SOCs equipped with state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools and technologies.
• Projects that develop and expand cross-border SOC platforms, fostering collaboration between Member States to improve collective situational awareness and threat detection.
• Projects aimed at improving coordination and cooperation between SOCs and other cybersecurity stakeholders, including the private sector and national authorities.
• Projects focused on the deployment of advanced technologies, such as AI, for threat detection and vulnerability management, in support of critical infrastructure protection.

Eligibility Criteria

• Public bodies designated by Member States to act as National SOCs, legally established in EU Member States.
• Consortia of public and private entities involved in cross-border SOC projects, or entities providing cybersecurity services in cooperation with National SOCs.
• Projects must focus on enhancing cybersecurity detection, response capabilities, and interconnection with other SOC platforms.

Eligible Expenses

• Up to 50% co-funding of eligible costs for the procurement and deployment of cybersecurity tools, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Costs associated with developing SOC capabilities, cross-border data sharing platforms, and training programs for cybersecurity personnel.
• Support for joint procurement actions, operational costs, and advanced technology deployment, such as AI-driven detection systems.

Financial Information

• Co-funding percentage: Up to 50% of eligible costs through the Digital Europe Programme.
• Maximum funding: EUR 5,800,000 for National SOC projects and EUR 5,000,000 for cross-border SOC platforms.
• Applicants must provide a detailed plan for SOC operations, long-term collaboration, and sustainability to ensure the impact of the cybersecurity solutions after the funding period.