Opinion. The digital panorama evolves at an unprecedented pace, generating both opportunities and risks. In an era of growing cyber threats, the European Defense Fund (EDF) 2025 plays a key role in financing leading research to improve cybersecurity and artificial intelligence capabilities (AI).
While these technologies are essential for military and defense operations, their impact goes far beyond the battlefield. Cybernetic resilience and safety innovations based on AI have enormous dual use potential, protecting both critical infrastructure and civil digital ecosystems throughout Europe.
The growing challenge of cybersecurity
CyberATeques aimed at government institutions, critical infrastructures and private companies are increasingly sophisticated and frequent. While Europe works to strengthen its digital sovereignty, EDF 2025 finances innovative solutions that not only protect military communications, but also reinforce banking systems, energy networks, health systems and other vital sectors against cyber threats.
The EDF 2025 Finance Advanced Threat Detection Technologies promoted by AI, Post-Shark Cryptography and Autonomous Solutions of Cybersecurity to protect Europe from evolving digital threats. The innovations supported by this program will play a fundamental role in the protection of the strategic autonomy of Europe, guaranteeing safe communications and preventing cyberspite.
Main innovations in cybersecurity and with two -use potential
1. Detection and response to cyber threats driven by AI
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing cybersecurity by allowing rapid detection and response to cyber threats. EDF 2025 will finance security solutions based on AI that can predict, analyze and neutralize cyber attacks in real time.
These capacities are not limited to the defense sector. In the civil sphere, cybersecurity tools based on AI are essential for financial institutions, health service providers and industrial control systems, which manage from energy plants to transport networks. AI can improve fraud detection, prevent data leaks and strengthen safety in smart cities and IoT ecosystems.
2. Quantum cryptography for safe communications
The arrival of quantum computing means both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity. Traditional encryption methods are becoming vulnerable to the deciphering power of quantum computers, which makes the development of post-quantic cryptography a strategic priority.
EDF 2025 is investing in quantically safe communication networks to protect sensitive military data from possible security gaps. These technologies will also benefit the civil sector, ensuring that banks, public institutions and private companies have access to the most advanced encryption technologies available.
3. Cyber resilience for the protection of critical infrastructure
One of the main spotlights of EDF 2025 is the protection of critical infrastructure – such as electrical networks, transport systems and health networks – for cyber attacks. The growing digitalization of these sectors makes them highly vulnerable to ransomware attacks, piracy attempts and cyber wars sponsored by states.
The technologies developed within the framework of EDF 2025 will provide real -time monitoring, automated incident response and better cyber risk management for both military and civil networks. These solutions will help governments and the private sector defend themselves against cyber interruptions that could cause economic and security crises.
4. Digital twins technology for cybersecurity tests
Digital twin technology – Virtual Systems Systems Systems – It has important dual use applications in cybersecurity. EDF 2025 is financing research in digital twins for cyber security tests, allowing cyber attack organizations and evaluating vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.
Beyond the military sector, this technology is being adopted by financial institutions, energy suppliers and urban intelligent cities to improve resilience, train cybersecurity personnel and optimize attack response strategies.
Strengthening digital sovereignty of Europe
Through its investment in cybersecurity and IA, EDF 2025 is helping Europe reduce its dependence on foreign technologies, ensuring that companies, governments and European citizens benefit from security solutions developed in the EU. These investments are aligned with broader EU initiatives, such as the European Cybersecurity European Program and the European Cybersecurity Strategy, creating synergies between cybersecurity innovations promoted by defense and the civil sector.
With these financing opportunities, Europe is not only strengthening its cyber resilience, but also guaranteeing that key technologies – as cybersecurity platforms promoted by AI, quantically safe communication networks and automated cyber defense operations – are developed and displayed within the EU. By prioritizing both military and civil applications, EDF 2025 is reinforcing the strategic autonomy of Europe, protecting critical infrastructures and supporting a safe digital future for all.
Written by Patrizio Ricci, Euro-Funding Project Manager
