🇪🇺 EU Commits $1.4B to Boost AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Skills
The European Union has announced a €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) investment plan to accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and digital skills from 2025 to 2027. Part of the broader €8.1 billion Digital Europe Programme, this move aims to close the technology gap with the U.S. and reinforce Europe's digital sovereignty. The funding will focus on deploying AI in practical sectors like healthcare, strengthening cyber defenses, expanding access to data infrastructure, and enhancing digital competencies across the EU. Initiatives like Destination Earth for climate modeling and the EU Digital Identity Wallet are also set to benefit. This announcement follows France’s $112 billion AI plan and comes amid increasing global investment in emerging technologies. With the EU AI Act already in effect, the bloc is now backing its regulatory leadership with serious capital.