The European Union has launched a series of new calls for 2024 aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and promoting digital innovation within Europe. These grant programmes offer organisations the opportunity to benefit from funding for projects that contribute to a more secure and technologically advanced digital environment.
The calls:
EU Development and Deployment of Advanced Key Technologies: Development and deployment of advanced technologies such as AI, Quantum Computing, Blockchain and Big Data for improved cybersecurity.
EU Support for Implementation of EU Legislation on Cybersecurity and National Cybersecurity Strategies (2024): Supporting the implementation of European cybersecurity legislation and national strategies.
EU Strengthening the SOC Ecosystem: Strengthening cooperation and integration between Security Operations Centres (SOCs) within the EU.
EU Enlarging existing or Launching New Cross-Border SOC Platforms: Expanding and developing cross-border SOC platforms for improved data sharing and threat monitoring.
- EU National SOCs: Establishment and strengthening of National Security Operations Centres (SOCs) for improved national and cross-border cybersecurity.
EU Preparedness Support and Mutual Assistance, Targeting Larger Industrial Operations and Installations: Increasing cyber preparedness of critical infrastructures through specialised services such as penetration testing and risk assessments.
All proposals follow a single-stage application process with a deadline on 21 January 2025.
More details on the above grants are provided below.
Call EU Development and Deployment of Advanced Key Technologies
This call is aimed at European cybersecurity actors, such as companies, research institutions, governments and organisations developing and applying advanced technologies in cybersecurity. The aim is to realise the submission of proposals for projects using technologies such as AI, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, and Big Data to improve threat detection, incident response, and data protection. This call is key to strengthening cyber resilience in Europe, reducing risks from cyber-attacks, and protecting sensitive information from foreign influence. The ultimate goal is to support organisations in exploiting technological breakthroughs and improving their cybersecurity capabilities.
Budget: € 20.000.000
Deadline: 21 January 2025
More information via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Call EU Support for Implementation of EU Legislation on Cybersecurity and National Cybersecurity Strategies (2024)
This call is aimed at organisations within the EU, such as national and EU market authorities, accreditation bodies, CSIRTs, operators of essential services, manufacturers of digital products, and SMEs active in cybersecurity. Its aim is to encourage projects that strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and cooperation within the EU, in line with the NIS2 Directive, the Cybersecurity Act, and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), with the objective to develop and implement technologies and methods for incident management and support cybersecurity compliance. This contributes to improved cooperation and capacity building in cybersecurity, implementation of legislation such as the CRA, and increasing the security of networks and information systems in the EU.
Budget: € 35.000.000
Deadline: 21 January 2025
More information via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Call EU Strengthening the SOC Ecosystem
The call is aimed at organisations involved in cybersecurity, such as national governments, critical infrastructure providers and IT companies with SOCs (Security Operations Centres). It encourages cooperation and technical integration between SOCs at national and cross-border levels, with a focus on developing technical frameworks, best practices for information sharing, and cooperation with industry, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. The aim is to build an integrated SOC network within the EU, with improved data sharing, technology adoption, and collaboration, contributing to the EU's technological independence in cybersecurity.
Budget: € 2.000.000
Deadline: 21 januari 2025
More information via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Call EU Enlarging existing or Launching New Cross-Border SOC Platform
This call targets EU entities such as national authorities and cybersecurity companies that can set up and manage cross-border Security Operations Centres (SOC platforms). The selected entities will engage in joint procurement of equipment and day-to-day management of the SOC platforms. The aim is to create new SOC platforms and support existing ones. These platforms will share threat information, analyse cyber threats and strengthen crisis management within the EU.
Budget: € 5.000.000
Deadline: 21 January 2025
More information via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Call EU National SOCs
This call is addressed to public authorities, public and private cybersecurity organisations in the EU that want to be involved in setting up or strengthening national Security Operations Centres (SOCs). The call requests proposals to create or strengthen SOCs with the aim of strengthening national and cross-border cybersecurity, through:
- Joint Procurement of essential equipment, tools and services to build SOCs.
- Grants for preparation, collaboration with other stakeholders, and the operational costs of SOCs.
National SOCs play a crucial role in detecting, analysing and managing cyber threats that can impact critical infrastructures and essential services within the EU. They strengthen cooperation between different member states, which is essential in the fight against cross-border cyber-attacks. The ultimate goal of this call is to achieve strong, well-equipped SOCs that contribute to a secure and resilient digital environment within the EU.
Budget: € 5.800.000
Deadline: 21 January 2025
More information via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Call EU Preparedness Support and Mutual Assistance, Targeting Larger Industrial Operations and Installations
This call is aimed at EU Member States, public authorities, operators of essential services, digital service providers and companies in sectors considered critical infrastructure, such as energy, transport and banking. It offers cyber preparedness services, including penetration testing, threat and risk assessments, and risk monitoring. The call is key to increasing the security of critical infrastructures within the EU against cyber threats, which is crucial for overall stability and security. The aim is to support member states in improving their cyber threat preparedness by providing them with access to specialised knowledge and tools, and to promote a collaborative approach to cybersecurity within the EU.
Budget: € 35.000.000
Deadline: 21 January 2025
More information via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal