The Digital Europe project European Data Space for Smart Communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) has launched its forth call for pilots to continue the validation of its vision for a European data space for smart communities.

This last call will seek to onboard approximately 10 pilots, to build on and evolve the governance and technical blueprint established by the preparatory action for the European data space for smart communities, and evolved during the deployment action. This initiative aims to foster innovation towards a more resilient Europe, supporting local businesses and ecosystems, and emphasising ethical considerations and AI-enabled local solutions, thereby enhancing the conditions for citizens and communities across Europe.

Pilots launched through the Call for Pilots are expected to

• develop actual services created based on data sharing among data space participants,
• demonstrate the applicability of the DS4SSCC blueprint and 
• demonstrate feasibility of a federated European data space for smart communities. 

Each pilot is planned to be funded with 250 000 - 500 000 euros by EU contribution to share amongst the consortium members of the pilot. The financial criteria for applicants involves a co-funding model expecting applicants to bear at least 50% of the project costs, as direct co-financing. 

More information on the call and the conditions to apply can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal and on the website of the DS4SSCC-DEP project.

Deadline for applications is 31 May 2026.

Background:

The European data space for smart communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) action has previously launched three rounds of Calls for Pilots (CfP) to validate an EU-wide cross-sectorial data space in practice and to advance its development and implementation to support policy priorities of cities and communities within the European Union, including the green-digital transformation based on secure and sovereign data infrastructure. These calls launched 11 pilots to establish cross-border and cross-domain data space initiatives.