Over one billion awarded so far:
CEF-Digital is a 7-year funding programme, split into several topics. During the first work programme, 120 projects were selected for a total of € 672 million of funding, across the topics of Digital Global Gateways, 5G and Edge Cloud for Smart Communities, 5G for Transport Corridors and Backbone Networks for pan-European Cloud Federations. Currently, 56 projects have been selected for € 388 million of funding under the second work programme across the topics of Digital Global Gateways, 5G large-scale pilots and Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). Keep a close eye on our Social Media channels for further funding opportunities before the end of the current 7-year budget at the end of 2027.
You will find more information on the timing and individual topics below.
Investing in cross-border connectivity will continue playing a key role in Europe’s transformation and its competitiveness.
- 22 October 2024Call 4 opening
- 12 November 2024Call 4 info day
- 13 February 2025Call 4 closing
- 27 March 2025EuroQCI call 4 closing
- Autumn 2025Call 4 results
The part of CEF Digital managed by HaDEA provides grants in the following areas:
Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways Supporting the deployment of l backbone networks within and between Member States (including Overseas Countries and Territories and Outermost Regions) as well as between the EU and third countries, to strengthen the quality and resilience of connectivity between EU countries and beyond. |
5G and Edge Cloud for Smart Communities Supporting the early 5G deployment and edge infrastructure to enable cases for socio-economic drivers, such as public administrations, healthcare centres, schools and other education and training institutions and make them “smarter”. In the framework of the second Work Programme, this topic transitions to 5G large scale pilots – 5G and Edge Cloud for Smart Communities, supporting the deployment of large scale stand-alone 5G networks and their integration with edge cloud infrastructures enabling innovative applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education. |
5G coverage along transport corridors Funding 5G coverage along transport paths such as roads and railways to leverage further investments and establish a pan-European transport network of 5G corridors. In the framework of the second Work Programme, this topic transitions to 5G Large Scale Pilots – 5G coverage along transport corridors, supporting the deployment of large scale 5G stand-alone infrastructures along key European transport paths and the TEN-T network corridor. |
Quantum communication infrastructure (EuroQCI) Promoting quantum communication infrastructure interconnections to build an integrated satellite and terrestrial system spanning the whole EU for ultra-secure exchange of cryptographic keys. |
Backbone networks for pan-European cloud federations CEF Digital supports the deployment of cross-border and national cloud, edge and HPC infrastructure interconnections at both the physical (i.e. very high-capacity networks) and functional levels (i.e. DNS resolution) to enable distributed, secure, energy-efficient and high-speed infrastructure and cloud services for EU citizens and businesses. |
Supporting hardware and software infrastructures to promote real-time exchange of data in the energy and transport sectors across European Union. |
News
Europe is entering a new era of preparedness. By managing eight major EU funding programmes across areas of health, digital, industry and space, the HADEA supports projects that strengthen the Union’s resilience and capacity to respond to whatever crisis comes next.
The Commission has selected 56 projects from the fourth round of calls for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme.
The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) 2025 will take place from 4 to 6 November in Barcelona, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of urban living. Discover the HaDEA-managed projects participating.
On 18 June 2025, HaDEA organised a full-day event dedicated to empowering Lithuanian researchers, innovators, business representatives, enterpreneurs and other experts from various institutions and organisations to succeed in EU funding programmes.