17.12.2021
OVER A BILLION EUROS FOR EUROPE'S DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY BY 2023
The European Commission has adopted the first work program for the digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital), which sets out the scope and objectives of EU-supported action needed to improve Europe's digital connectivity infrastructures over a 3-year period. Funding of more than € 1 billion has been allocated to these actions (for 2021-2023).
By promoting public and private investment, CEF Digital will contribute to connectivity projects of common interest to the EU and to the deployment of safe, secure and sustainable high-performance infrastructure, including gigabit and 5G networks across the EU. Improving Europe's connectivity infrastructure will be essential to Europe's digital transformation, as set out in the Road to the Digital Decade, and to ensure that all EU households have access to gigabit connectivity and all populations. areas will be covered by 5G by 2030.
On this occasion, Margrethe Westeger, Executive Vice-President for Europe Prepared for the Digital Age, said: "Investing in cross-border connectivity will continue to play a key role in Europe's transformation and competitiveness. Improving networks and infrastructure will give European citizens and businesses access to new jobs, as well as the opportunity to compete in new markets and develop their activities."
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, added: "Secure and high-speed connectivity is the foundation on which we will build Europe's digital decade. It will give Europeans access to digital skills, enable businesses to innovate and help deliver unprecedented applications in areas such as health, education and online public services."
The Connecting Europe Facility funding program will also strengthen connectivity networks by supporting new or improving existing supporting infrastructures within the EU and between the EU and third countries. This is essential for the interconnection of digital capacities, such as cloud computing services, data and computing technologies, in line with the EU's ambition to maintain its digital sovereignty.
CEF Digital
The following key actions are expected to be supported under the CEF Digital:
Next steps
The first calls for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility in the field of digital technologies will be published in early January 2022. Shortly after the launch, stakeholders will be able to attend an "information day" to learn more about the priorities. and the main aspects of the calls, as well as the evaluation and award process.
Context
With a budget of up to € 2 billion by 2027, the CEF Digital will support the digital transformation and Europe's goals for fixed and mobile connectivity in the context of the Digital Decade. It is part of the Connecting Europe Facility, which supports € 33.7 billion in investments in trans-European digital, transport and energy networks between 2021 and 2027.
The first generation of the Connecting Europe Facility for the period 2014-2020 improved the infrastructures connecting Member States and provided free wireless internet to local communities through the WiFi4EU program. It also supported the deployment of very high capacity networks in rural and semi-rural areas across Europe through the Broadband Fund for Europe (CEBF).
For more information
Connecting Europe Facility - Work Program
