Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions

Within the framework of the EU-wide Digital Europe Programme, this call supports coordinated preparatory tests as well as complementary measures to enhance cyber resilience in critical sectors. The aim is to assist Member States in conducting penetration tests, risk and threat analyses, and to establish standardized testing environments (e.g., cyber ranges). Funding is provided to governmental and semi-governmental bodies, national cybersecurity authorities, CSIRTs, as well as security centers (SOCs/Cyber Hubs) and industry partners subject to the NIS 2 Directive. Project submissions are possible either by consortia or as single applicants, with SMEs and start-ups explicitly encouraged to participate.

With a funding amount of up to €1,500,000 per application, the grant targets strengthening defense capacities against cyberattacks and improving cross-company crisis preparedness. Evaluation criteria include excellence, impact, and implementation. The application deadline is 31 March 2026 at 17:00 (Brussels time); registration in the Funding & Tenders Portal and affiliation with an eligible country according to NIS 2 are prerequisites. This call aims to establish sustainable structures that significantly enhance EU-wide cooperation and resilience against cyber threats.