The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) has opened a new round of cybersecurity calls under the Digital Europe programme, inviting applicants to submit proposals for the following topics:

• Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI (DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11-CYBERAI)
  This action supports the development and deployment of AI-based cybersecurity systems, tools and services for national authorities, competent authorities, National and Cross-Border Cyber Hubs, CSIRTs, public bodies, NIS 2 entities and other relevant stakeholders. 
• Strengthening cybersecurity capacities of European SMEs with cybersecure AI-powered solutions (DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11-AI4SME)
  This action supports the development of AI-powered solutions, tools and services for European SMEs, including user-friendly tools for risk management, threat detection, incident response and notification. 
• Strengthening EU cybersecurity capacities & capabilities in line with legislative requirements (DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11-EULEG)
  This action supports stakeholders in addressing new responsibilities and obligations linked to EU cybersecurity legislation (e.g. Cyber Resilience Act, the NIS 2 Directive, GDPR, DORA, the Cybersecurity Act, specific requirements of the AI Act), including through financial and organisational support where relevant.
• Dual-use technologies (DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11-DUALUSE)
  This action aims to improve operational cooperation between the civil and defence spheres through the development of dual-use working prototypes, ready-to-market products and operational infrastructures related to cybersecurity technologies, applications and tools that have relevance in both civilian and defence contexts.
• Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions (DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11-COORDPREP)
  This action covers coordinated preparedness testing of entities operating in sectors of high criticality across the Union, and other preparedness actions for entities operating in sectors of high criticality and other critical sectors. It supports activities including penetration testing, threat assessment, vulnerability monitoring, risk monitoring, coordinated vulnerability disclosure, exercises and training courses.
• Regional Cable Hubs (DIGITAL-ECCC-2027-DEPLOY-CYBER-11-REGCABH)
  The initiative supports the set-up of processes, tools and services for the detection and analysis of emerging threats, near real-time situational awareness, incident reporting and information sharing between relevant national authorities to strengthen the resilience and security of Europe’s undersea cable infrastructure.

The call is now open for submission. The deadline to submit applications is 14 January 2027.

More information on each call topic can be found in the call document.