RFAs: Support to the Implementation of Multi-Country Projects

The European Commission is offering €1 million to establish a Support Hub for strengthening European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs). The programme focuses on governance, legal support, coordination, and long-term sustainability of digital infrastructure initiatives. It aims to improve transparency, data-driven decision-making, and alignment with EU digital policies.

Overview

The European Commission is inviting proposals to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs).

This action will establish a centralised Support Hub to provide legal, operational, and strategic assistance to Member States and EDIC entities, strengthening Europe’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Funding Details

• Total funding: €1,000,000
• Type: Coordination and support action
• Scope: EU-wide digital infrastructure and policy support

Programme Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen governance and compliance of EDICs
• Improve coordination among Member States and stakeholders
• Enhance transparency and accessibility of EDIC information
• Support development of new digital infrastructure initiatives
• Enable data-driven decision-making
• Align EDICs with EU digital competitiveness goals

Key Focus Areas

1. Legal and Operational Support

• Guidance on legal frameworks and compliance
• Operational assistance for EDIC functioning

2. Governance and Policy Alignment

• Strengthening governance structures
• Alignment with EU digital policies, including the Digital Decade Policy Programme

3. Coordination and Collaboration

• Facilitate cooperation among Member States
• Engage stakeholders across sectors

4. Transparency and Accessibility

• Improve access to EDIC-related information
• Centralised communication and knowledge sharing

5. Development of New EDIC Initiatives

• Identify opportunities for new consortia
• Support pipeline development of digital infrastructure projects

6. Data Collection and Evidence Generation

• Analyse EDIC performance data
• Produce measurable insights and reports
• Support strategic planning

Key Concepts Explained

European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs)

Collaborative frameworks established by EU Member States to develop and operate large-scale digital infrastructure projects.

Support Hub

A centralised platform providing technical, legal, and strategic assistance to improve coordination and effectiveness of EDICs.

Digital Ecosystem

The network of digital infrastructure, policies, stakeholders, and technologies that enable digital transformation.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be legal entities (public or private organisations)
• Be established in:
  • EU Member States
  • EEA countries
  • Countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme

Suitable Applicants Include

• Research and policy organisations
• Digital infrastructure providers
• Public authorities
• Consultancy and advisory organisations

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Expertise in digital policy and governance
• Capacity to manage coordination and support services
• Experience working with multi-country stakeholders

How the Programme Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify Needs
   • Assess gaps in EDIC coordination and support
2. Develop Proposal
   • Design the Support Hub structure and services
3. Submit Application
   • Include methodology, governance model, and budget
4. Evaluation
   • Based on quality, impact, and feasibility
5. Implementation
   • Establish and operate the Support Hub
6. Ongoing Support
   • Provide legal, operational, and strategic assistance
   • Facilitate coordination and data analysis

Expected Outputs

Projects should deliver:

• A fully operational EDIC Support Hub
• Improved governance and compliance frameworks
• Enhanced coordination mechanisms
• Data-driven insights and performance reports
• Increased transparency and accessibility of information

Why This Programme Matters

• Strengthens Europe’s digital infrastructure ecosystem
• Improves coordination across countries and institutions
• Supports long-term sustainability of digital projects
• Enhances evidence-based policymaking
• Boosts EU competitiveness in the digital economy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague or unclear Support Hub structure
• Weak alignment with EU digital policies
• Lack of measurable outcomes or data strategy
• Insufficient stakeholder engagement
• Ignoring long-term sustainability

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define the Support Hub services and impact
• Align with EU digital strategies and policies
• Include robust data collection and analysis plans
• Demonstrate experience in multi-country coordination
• Focus on scalability and long-term value

FAQs

1. What is the total funding available?

The programme provides €1,000,000 in total funding.

2. What is the main objective?

To establish a Support Hub that strengthens the governance, coordination, and sustainability of EDICs.

3. Who can apply?

Public and private organisations in EU, EEA, or associated countries.

4. What are EDICs?

Collaborative consortia that develop and manage large-scale digital infrastructure projects in Europe.

5. What kind of support will be provided?

Legal, operational, governance, and strategic support for EDICs.

6. Why is data analysis important in this programme?

It helps generate evidence-based insights for improving performance and policy decisions.

7. How does this programme support EU digital goals?

It aligns EDICs with EU strategies like the Digital Decade, enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

Conclusion

This European Commission initiative plays a critical role in strengthening the foundation of Europe’s digital infrastructure. By establishing a centralised Support Hub and improving coordination, governance, and data-driven insights, the programme ensures that EDICs can operate effectively and contribute to a resilient, competitive, and future-ready digital ecosystem.