Discover HaDEA-managed projects on cybersecurity funded by the Digital Europe Programme

October is an important month for cybersecurity awareness across Europe, thanks to the European Cyber Security Month (ECSM), a campaign that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity, encourage best practices, and provide resources for individuals and organisations to stay safe online.

The Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) drives investment in strategic digital capacities, including cybersecurity. HaDEA, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency, is delegated part of the Digital Europe Programme and plays a key role in administering funds and ensuring that the projects contribute effectively to the EU's digital ambitions. In this context, the European Cyber Skills Academy, supported by the project AKADIMOS, aims to bridge the cybersecurity skills and talent gap in Europe by bringing together and improving the coordination of existing training, upskilling and reskilling initiatives for cybersecurity professionals. The European Cybersecurity Skills Academy will act as a single point of entry for synergies in cybersecurity training initiatives, along with funding opportunities for the development of cybersecurity skills.

Four projects managed by HaDEA work on training programmes for SMEs, start-ups and the public sector, which will be offered by the Cybersecurity Skills Academy:

• CyberPro Train implements an innovative, scalable and replicable cybersecurity educational model in three EU countries. The project will contribute to training qualified cybersecurity professionals by offering theoretical and practical courses, hands-on training and on-the-job training opportunities. It will also create a CyberPro Train Digital Handbook encompassing cybersecurity best practices, guidelines, procedures and expertise for industry and public administration. The Handbook will be available in ten EU languages.
• CADMUS addresses the cybersecurity expertise shortage in Europe by developing targeted training opportunities based on approaches including cyber range projects, games, hackathons, bootcamps and traineeships.
• CYCERONE aims to mitigate the cybersecurity talent gap in Europe by making skilled professionals more accessible across various industry sectors. The project will facilitate collaboration between academia and the private and public sectors, establishing a dedicated digital platform to centralise and democratise access to cybersecurity training.
• CYBERSEC4OT strives to increase the resilience of companies in manufacturing against cyberattacks during the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into production systems, and to address the shortage of cybersecurity experts by providing training on OT cybersecurity for individuals with technical and non-technical backgrounds. The project focuses on developing training programmes and providing theoretical and hands-on training.

In addition, the project CYRUS aims to propose a novel cybersecurity training programme. The goal is to increase awareness and enable staff in the Manufacturing and Transport (TM) industries to better recognise and mitigate cyberattacks. It presented its work during the recent Interinstitutional Kick-off Event for the European Cybersecurity Month on 1 October in Brussels.

Find more information in the dedicated brochure.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the EU's proactive stance on cybersecurity — through initiatives like ECSM and investments via the Digital Europe Programme — is essential for safeguarding both people and the economy from the growing threat of cyberattacks. These efforts ensure that Europe remains resilient, adaptable and forward-looking in its approach to cybersecurity.

Background 

Digital Europe Programme

The Digital Europe Programme aims to build the strategic digital capacities of the EU and to facilitate the wide deployment of digital technologies. With an overall budget of €7.5 billion, out of which €0.8 billion is managed by HaDEA, the programme will support investments in the following specific objectives: 

• High Performance Computing for the AI factories;
• AI Continent;
• Cybersecurity;
• Advanced digital skills;
• Accelerating the Best Use of Technologies.

European Cyber Security Month (ECSM)

Launched in 2012, ECSM is an annual EU-led awareness campaign held every October, focusing on promoting the importance of cybersecurity to people and organisations alike. Since 2018, EU institutions, bodies and agencies have gathered to officially launch the European Cybersecurity Month, taking turns to organise and host the event.

This year's campaign marks the 13th anniversary of ECSM. The European Commission, through the CyberAware programme, organised the Interinstitutional Kick-off Event for the European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) on 1 October 2025. The human factor in cybersecurity was in the spotlight, with a focus on the challenges related to skilled resources in cybersecurity and how to support and secure a safe online experience for all. Situational awareness and cybersecurity readiness are a joint challenge for all Union entities. The role of gaming in bringing about behavioural change to achieve a cybersecurity culture across the board was also explored.