Key EU Funding Opportunities for Cybersecurity Projects in 2025

As Europe intensifies its focus on digital resilience, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for organizations developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. With increasing threats and a growing demand for secure digital infrastructure, several EU programs are opening up substantial funding opportunities aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic development in this critical field.

Here’s a closer look at the major European funding mechanisms that will be supporting cybersecurity projects in the coming year:

1. Horizon Europe – Driving Innovation Through Civil Security

Under Horizon Europe’s Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society, a total of €90.55 million will be allocated across six calls, open until 12 November 2025. These calls are looking for ambitious projects that address:

• The application of Generative AI in cyber defense

• The development of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies

• Advancements in Post-Quantum Cryptography

This is an opportunity for consortia across Europe to shape the next generation of cybersecurity tools and strategies, with support from the EU's flagship research and innovation program.

2. Digital Europe – Building Strategic Cyber Capabilities

The Digital Europe Programme complements research-oriented funding with a more application-driven focus. With €45.6 million earmarked through 2027, the program is expected to launch new calls in Q2 2025, with deadlines in Q4. Key areas of support include:

• The establishment of an EU Cybersecurity Reserve

• Development of an incident notification platform aligned with the Cyber Resilience Act

This stream is particularly well-suited for projects aiming at cross-border infrastructure, regulatory compliance tools, and public-private partnerships.

3. European Defence Fund (EDF) – Focusing on Cyber Defence

For those working at the intersection of security and defense, the European Defence Fund is offering €54 million for cybersecurity-related activities in 2025. Calls are open until 16 October 2025, with focus areas including:

• Advanced cyber operations in defense settings

• Cyber resilience for autonomous and AI-enabled systems in military environments

These initiatives seek to bolster Europe’s defense autonomy and readiness in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

How to Stand Out in Competitive Calls

Securing EU funding is not only about having a good idea—it’s about aligning your proposal with strategic priorities and demonstrating clear impact. Here are a few best practices:

• Carefully tailor each proposal to the specific challenges and goals of the call

• Engage end-users and stakeholders early, ensuring practical relevance

• Take an interdisciplinary approach, integrating technical, social, and ethical perspectives

Finding the Right Call – and the Right Partners

Navigating the European funding ecosystem can be complex. Luckily, various platforms and databases exist to help organizations search open calls, identify potential partners, and analyze emerging trends in cybersecurity innovation.

If your organization is developing cybersecurity solutions, 2025 offers a wealth of opportunity to scale impact, access funding, and collaborate across borders—while contributing to a safer digital Europe.