CEF Digital supports the deployment of strategic backbone networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality and resilience of connectivity between EU countries, as well as third countries. This call is technology neutral and can support submarine cables, satellite infrastructures connectivity to internet exchange points, among others.
Projects funded under the Digital Global Gateways Call aim to deploy new and significant upgrades of connectivity routes, where:
- The existing infrastructure cannot satisfy demand for affordable and adequate services in line with the EU connectivity objectives for 2030.
- There is a lack of the necessary redundancy to guarantee reliable, resilient, adequate, and secure international connectivity.
- The users in the served territories suffer from suboptimal services or prices compared to those offered in more competitive but otherwise comparable areas or routes.
These routes can be located within EU countries, between EU countries and between the EU and third countries, including Outermost Regions and other remote territories.
The expected benefits go beyond those directly related to supported projects and contribute to bridging the digital divide and ensuring widespread access to Gigabit networks for citizens and businesses.
How to participate
Beneficiaries can take the form of consortia, including (local) operators, utilities, (local) authorities, investors and vendors. The proposals under this topic are subject to strict exclusion of non-EU controlled entities.
Open calls are published on the Funding & Tenders Portal and more details are available in the Call text.
Awarded projects
Browse EU-funded projects on the Funding & Tenders portal and get inspired.

News

Meet HaDEA at the Submarine Networks EMEA 2023
HaDEA will have a stand at Submarine Networks EMEA on 31 May showcasing funded projects and providing information on how to apply for funding to potential applicants.

The Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information - how CEF Telecom contributed to the digitalisation of social security
The Electronic Exchange of Social Information (EESSI) funded under CEF Telecom is an IT platform that strengthens protection of EU citizens social security rights.

4th European Conference on Connected and Automated Driving (EUCAD 2023) – Meet Horizon 2020 project’s achievements in the field
The 4th European Conference on Connected and Automated Driving (EUCAD2023) takes place in Brussels on 3 and 4 May 2023. Discover the H2020 project managed by HaDEA and its developments in the automotive and railway sectors.

CEF Digital: 69 proposals submitted under the second call
The second round of Connecting Europe Facility - Digital (CEF Digital) calls, worth €240 million, attracted 69 proposals with coordinators from 21 different countries and a total of 182 partners in the proposed consortia compositions.