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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must position border surveillance technologies not merely as detection instruments, but as human-rights-compliant operational enablers bridging land and maritime domains. Success hinges on deep practitioner integration—explicitly embedding at least two national Border and Coast Guard authorities from day one—while demonstrating seamless interoperability with EU frameworks including EUROSUR and CISE. Crucially, consortia should highlight measurable operational advances against rogue unmanned vehicle threats and swarms (reaching TRL 7) while explicitly reducing energy footprint and fully anticipating Frontex operational observation.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Develop solutions that, through better awareness, improve efficiency and reaction time of detection, search, rescue, and recovery operations near land and sea borders, in diverse geographical and meteorological conditions, taking into account different and diverse needs. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Promote cross-border cooperation at European regional level around innovative border management solutions demonstration testbeds. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Develop solutions that go beyond state-of-the-art in clearly demonstrable ways, including measurable improvements in detection range, accuracy, response time, automation, and system resilience. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Ensure solutions better safeguard and promote fundamental rights and EU values, particularly human rights, using an inclusive approach addressing diverse needs, providing reliable and redundant capacities while ensuring the safety of staff, users, and persons victim of illicit activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Develop modular and scalable solutions to cater to regional and challenge specificities, recognizing the EBCG Capability Roadmap requirements for detecting cross-border irregularities and Search and Rescue activities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Ensure compatibility and integration with the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR), and compatibility and/or exploitation of other European information-sharing environments, like the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Demonstrate that proposed equipment and technologies contribute to cost reduction and energy efficiency of border surveillance and situational awareness operations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Address the priorities of the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) and Frontex from requirements definition and design phase, including alignment with the EBCG Capability Roadmap and engagement during project implementation, anticipating Frontex observation of pilots/demonstrations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9Include a mid-term deliverable consisting of an assessment of the project’s mid-term outcomes, conducted by the security practitioners involved in the project. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Improved detection, localization, characterization and, when applicable, neutralisation, of unmanned vehicles alone or in swarms, involved in trafficking or smuggling activities across external borders, while complying with legal and ethical guidelines; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Improved border situational awareness, especially in the context of large-scale movements of people across borders, including from potential instrumentalisation of irregular migration, conflicts, social, economic, environmental and climate stress; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Better safeguard and promotion of fundamental rights thanks to enhanced situational awareness; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Reliable, redundant detection and reaction capacities without putting staff and society at risk. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Interoperability with EUROSUR and CISECompatibility and integration with the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) is essential, and compatibility and/or exploitation of the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) is considered an asset. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Alignment with Frontex and EBCG Capability RoadmapProposals must address priorities of the European Border and Coast Guard and Frontex starting from requirements definition and design, including alignment with the EBCG Capability Roadmap and anticipating Frontex observation of pilots and demonstrations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Practitioner-led mid-term assessment deliverableProposals must include a mid-term deliverable assessing project outcomes, conducted directly by the security practitioners involved in the project. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Cost reduction and energy efficiency of operationsProposals should demonstrate that proposed equipment and technologies contribute to cost reduction and energy efficiency of border surveillance and situational awareness operations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOSIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data/services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Security sensitive results and EUCI handlingSome activities may involve using classified background or generating security sensitive results (EUCI and SEN) in line with section B of the General Annexes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Observation and involvement of Frontex and eu-LISAProposals should anticipate that Frontex and/or eu-LISA may observe pilots and demonstrations during project implementation to facilitate future uptake. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Uptake synergies with BMVI and CCEI instrumentsParticipating Member States authorities are encouraged to use instruments such as the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) and Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) for operational uptake and piloting from TRL 7. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Cooperation with Knowledge Networks and CERISFunded projects are invited to cooperate with EU-led security initiatives such as Knowledge Networks for Security Research & Innovation and engage in clustering coordinated by CERIS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ10Liaison with JRC Border Security LabFunded projects are encouraged to liaise with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), including testing relevant research outputs at the JRC Border Security Lab. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ11Stakeholder engagement including travellers, migrants, and operatorsResearch projects funded under this Destination should actively engage with all relevant stakeholders, including travellers, migrants, and operators. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ12Citizen and societal perspectives with education and trainingProposals should demonstrate how they plan to consider citizens' and societal perspectives, including education, training, and awareness raising for practitioners and citizens. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1explore and develop future capabilities for European users in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime security, in particular in the capability areas of: border surveillance; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2facilitating travel and legitimate trade; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3assessing and managing risk; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4strengthening the Schengen area without introducing internal border controls; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5maritime, aviation, land transport, cargo and customs security; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6supply chain resilience; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7detecting and identifying threats; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI8interoperability and cybersecurity of EU information systems and equipment; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI9safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights in the context of border management. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI10the Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI11the implementation of the Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard and its updates; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI12the proposals to strengthen EU legislation to prevent and fight against migrant smuggling; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI13the proposals on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI14the new European Internal Security Strategy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI15the new Counter-Terrorism Agenda; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI16the European Preparedness Union Strategy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI17the EU Port Strategy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI18the civil security aspects of the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy and of the European Ocean Pact; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI19the Copernicus service for Security improving crisis prevention, preparedness and response in four key areas: Border surveillance; Maritime surveillance; Support to EU External and Security Actions, R&D for Earth Observation Security; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI20the EU Cable Security Action Plan; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI21the new European action plans against drug trafficking and against weapons trafficking; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI22the proposals for EU Customs reform, including the proposed EU Customs Authority and Data Hub; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI23the security aspects of the Comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI24the security aspects of the Competitiveness Compass for the EU. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI25monitoring, preparedness and reaction in border management tasks, managing irregular or illegal activities involving people or goods across external borders of the EU; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI26safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights and EU values, and ensuring legal compliance, in efficient border management; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI27efficiency, performance, environmental impact and reaction in border management tasks in all geographical and meteorological conditions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI28integrated and continuous border surveillance, situational awareness and analysis support; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI29safety, user experience and performance of practitioners’ staff in border management; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI30security, privacy and usability of identity and (travel) documents and credentials; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI31facilitating travel of bona fide passengers across external borders of the EU; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI32prevention, detection and disruption of trafficking of dangerous, illicit and illegal goods and materials through external borders of the EU and the supply chain. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI33safeguard the technological sovereignty of the EU in critical security areas by contributing to a more competitive and resilient EU security technology and industrial base; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI34lower the environmental impact and footprint of border, customs and supply chain security tasks, through innovative solutions and methods; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI35integrate and improve safety and cybersecurity of EU information systems, of innovative equipment, and of information and data in these areas, especially during their exchange at operational or tactical levels; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI36improve interoperability both among proposed solutions and also with future technological developments in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime and aviation security. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1multiannual strategic policy for european integrated border managementThe Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management (EIBM) establishes the EU-level framework for national authorities and Frontex to jointly manage external borders. It outlines fundamental principles including border surveillance, situational awareness, cross-border crime prevention, and respect for fundamental rights. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2capability roadmap of the european border and coast guardThe Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard defines medium-to-long-term technical and operational requirements for Frontex and Member States' border guard authorities. It steers procurement, research, and joint capability development across surveillance, communications, and detection assets. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu maritime security strategyThe revised EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) and its Action Plan provide the framework for safeguarding the EU's maritime domain against threats such as piracy, cross-border criminality, irregular migration, and attacks on critical subsea infrastructure. It promotes the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) and integrated maritime surveillance. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4regulation (eu) 2021/696Regulation (EU) 2021/696 establishes the Union Space Programme, governing European satellite systems including Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, and GOVSATCOM. It provides high-precision positioning, navigation, earth observation, and secure satellite communications for civil and security applications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Entities controlled by China excluded
Entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
Border or Coast Guard Authorities required
The topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 2 Border or Coast Guard Authorities from at least 2 different EU Member States or Associated countries.
Entities established in China excluded
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
A proposal will be immediately eliminated before scoring if it fails to include at least two Border or Coast Guard Authorities from two different Member States or Associated Countries as full beneficiaries. Consortia must also complete the specific practitioner information table in the application form, which evaluators will use to strictly enforce practitioner-led demonstration requirements.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators will scrutinize fundamental rights compliance with equal weight to operational credibility. Consortia must move beyond generic ethical statements and provide hard evidence demonstrating how the expanded situational awareness architecture actively safeguards human rights, privacy, and vulnerable migrants during Search and Rescue operations.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
Because this is a lump-sum grant, the mandatory mid-term assessment deliverable dictates a critical payment milestone. This assessment must be conducted directly by the end-users (the security practitioners), meaning the consortium's work plan must schedule functional testbed deployments early enough to allow meaningful practitioner evaluation by the mid-term mark.
Source: Scope
Technical architectures must demonstrate concrete pathways for integration with EUROSUR and CISE protocols to pass the interoperability evaluation. Furthermore, if the solution relies on satellite data, the proposal must explicitly mandate the use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS services to meet strict eligibility and policy alignment criteria.
Source: Eligibility rules
Proposals must define tangible KPIs for the detection, localization, and safe neutralization of unmanned swarms under severe meteorological conditions. Evaluators also explicitly require quantitative validation proving that the proposed technologies reduce the total cost of ownership and lifecycle power consumption compared to existing baseline systems.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Entities controlled by China excluded
Entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
Border or Coast Guard Authorities required
The topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 2 Border or Coast Guard Authorities from at least 2 different EU Member States or Associated countries.
Entities established in China excluded
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
In line with the “restriction on control in innovation actions in critical technology areas” delineated in General Annex B of the General Annexes, entities established in an eligible country but which are directly or indirectly controlled by China or by a legal entity established in China are not eligible to participate in the action.
Subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
The following additional eligibility criteria apply:
This topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 2 Border or Coast Guard Authorities from at least 2 different EU Member States or Associated countries. For these participants, applicants must fill in the table “Eligibility information about practitioners” in the application form with all the requested information, following the template provided in the submission IT tool.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The granting authority may, up to 4 years after the end of the action, object to a transfer of ownership or to the exclusive licensing of results, as set out in the specific provision of Annex 5.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the specific topic of the Work Programme
Some activities resulting from this topic may involve using classified background and/or producing of security sensitive results (EUCI and SEN). Please refer to the related provisions in section B Security — EU classified and sensitive information of the General Annexes.
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Information on financial support to third parties (HE)
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators in Cluster 3 Destination 2 scrutinize operational credibility and fundamental rights compliance with equal weight. They will immediately eliminate proposals lacking the mandatory participation of at least two Border or Coast Guard Authorities from distinct Member States/Associated Countries, including the completed practitioner information table. Evaluators will specifically examine:
TRL 6 → 7
Develop solutions that, through better awareness, improve efficiency and reaction time of detection, search, rescue, and recovery operations near land and sea borders, in diverse geographical and meteorological conditions, taking into account different and diverse needs.
Promote cross-border cooperation at European regional level around innovative border management solutions demonstration testbeds.
Develop solutions that go beyond state-of-the-art in clearly demonstrable ways, including measurable improvements in detection range, accuracy, response time, automation, and system resilience.
Ensure solutions better safeguard and promote fundamental rights and EU values, particularly human rights, using an inclusive approach addressing diverse needs, providing reliable and redundant capacities while ensuring the safety of staff, users, and persons victim of illicit activities.
Develop modular and scalable solutions to cater to regional and challenge specificities, recognizing the EBCG Capability Roadmap requirements for detecting cross-border irregularities and Search and Rescue activities.
Ensure compatibility and integration with the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR), and compatibility and/or exploitation of other European information-sharing environments, like the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE).
Demonstrate that proposed equipment and technologies contribute to cost reduction and energy efficiency of border surveillance and situational awareness operations.
Address the priorities of the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) and Frontex from requirements definition and design phase, including alignment with the EBCG Capability Roadmap and engagement during project implementation, anticipating Frontex observation of pilots/demonstrations.
Include a mid-term deliverable consisting of an assessment of the project’s mid-term outcomes, conducted by the security practitioners involved in the project.
Improved detection, localization, characterization and, when applicable, neutralisation, of unmanned vehicles alone or in swarms, involved in trafficking or smuggling activities across external borders, while complying with legal and ethical guidelines;
Improved border situational awareness, especially in the context of large-scale movements of people across borders, including from potential instrumentalisation of irregular migration, conflicts, social, economic, environmental and climate stress;
Better safeguard and promotion of fundamental rights thanks to enhanced situational awareness;
Reliable, redundant detection and reaction capacities without putting staff and society at risk.
explore and develop future capabilities for European users in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime security, in particular in the capability areas of: border surveillance;
facilitating travel and legitimate trade;
assessing and managing risk;
strengthening the Schengen area without introducing internal border controls;
maritime, aviation, land transport, cargo and customs security;
supply chain resilience;
detecting and identifying threats;
interoperability and cybersecurity of EU information systems and equipment;
safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights in the context of border management.
the Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management;
the implementation of the Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard and its updates;
the proposals to strengthen EU legislation to prevent and fight against migrant smuggling;
the proposals on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel;
the new European Internal Security Strategy;
the new Counter-Terrorism Agenda;
the European Preparedness Union Strategy;
the EU Port Strategy;
the civil security aspects of the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy and of the European Ocean Pact;
the Copernicus service for Security improving crisis prevention, preparedness and response in four key areas: Border surveillance; Maritime surveillance; Support to EU External and Security Actions, R&D for Earth Observation Security;
the EU Cable Security Action Plan;
the new European action plans against drug trafficking and against weapons trafficking;
the proposals for EU Customs reform, including the proposed EU Customs Authority and Data Hub;
the security aspects of the Comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce;
the security aspects of the Competitiveness Compass for the EU.
monitoring, preparedness and reaction in border management tasks, managing irregular or illegal activities involving people or goods across external borders of the EU;
safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights and EU values, and ensuring legal compliance, in efficient border management;
efficiency, performance, environmental impact and reaction in border management tasks in all geographical and meteorological conditions;
integrated and continuous border surveillance, situational awareness and analysis support;
safety, user experience and performance of practitioners’ staff in border management;
security, privacy and usability of identity and (travel) documents and credentials;
facilitating travel of bona fide passengers across external borders of the EU;
prevention, detection and disruption of trafficking of dangerous, illicit and illegal goods and materials through external borders of the EU and the supply chain.
safeguard the technological sovereignty of the EU in critical security areas by contributing to a more competitive and resilient EU security technology and industrial base;
lower the environmental impact and footprint of border, customs and supply chain security tasks, through innovative solutions and methods;
integrate and improve safety and cybersecurity of EU information systems, of innovative equipment, and of information and data in these areas, especially during their exchange at operational or tactical levels;
improve interoperability both among proposed solutions and also with future technological developments in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime and aviation security.
Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management
highThe Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management (EIBM) establishes the EU-level framework for national authorities and Frontex to jointly manage external borders. It outlines fundamental principles including border surveillance, situational awareness, cross-border crime prevention, and respect for fundamental rights.
Evaluators expect proposals to align technical architectures and operational concepts directly with the EIBM components, demonstrating interoperability with Frontex systems and national border authority workflows.
Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard
highThe Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard defines medium-to-long-term technical and operational requirements for Frontex and Member States' border guard authorities. It steers procurement, research, and joint capability development across surveillance, communications, and detection assets.
Evaluators expect clear references to capability gaps identified in the roadmap, showing how proposed surveillance and situational awareness tools feed into planned European Border and Coast Guard capability developments.
EU Maritime Security Strategy
highThe revised EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) and its Action Plan provide the framework for safeguarding the EU's maritime domain against threats such as piracy, cross-border criminality, irregular migration, and attacks on critical subsea infrastructure. It promotes the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) and integrated maritime surveillance.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail interoperability with maritime situational awareness networks (such as CISE and SafeSeaNet) and validate multi-domain surveillance technologies in operational maritime environments.
Regulation (EU) 2021/696
highRegulation (EU) 2021/696 establishes the Union Space Programme, governing European satellite systems including Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, and GOVSATCOM. It provides high-precision positioning, navigation, earth observation, and secure satellite communications for civil and security applications.
Evaluators expect proposals to maximize the use of EU space assets (such as Copernicus border surveillance services and Galileo-enabled positioning) for persistent situational awareness and remote monitoring.
European Commission Political Guidelines 2024-2029
mediumThe European Commission Political Guidelines 2024-2029 set out the strategic priorities for the mandate, emphasizing European competitiveness, defense, security, and stronger external border protection. They underline the need for enhanced integrated border management and technological readiness to respond to geopolitical challenges.
Evaluators expect proposals to contextualize their strategic value within the new Commission's priorities, highlighting how border security innovations safeguard European sovereignty, protect external borders, and uphold fundamental rights.
European Internal Security Strategy
mediumThe EU Internal Security Strategy (and the Security Union Strategy framework) establishes key objectives to protect European citizens against terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats. It promotes cross-border police and border authority cooperation, situational awareness, and robust external border controls.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how enhanced situational awareness feeds into internal security threat detection, facilitating actionable intelligence sharing among Member State law enforcement bodies.
Counter-Terrorism Agenda
mediumThe EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda sets out measures to anticipate, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist threats. It emphasizes strengthening external borders to detect foreign terrorist fighters, illicit cross-border movements, and dangerous materials.
Evaluators expect proposals to highlight specific operational capabilities for identifying high-risk border crossing attempts and integrating automated anomaly detection without compromising legitimate cross-border flows.
European Preparedness Union Strategy
mediumThe European Preparedness Union Strategy establishes a comprehensive cross-sectoral framework to build EU resilience against hybrid, civil protection, and geopolitical crises. It focuses on early warning, proactive risk assessment, and integrated situational awareness across external borders and critical functions.
Evaluators expect proposals to address cross-domain resilience, showing how surveillance innovations support early warning and rapid operational response during compound or hybrid border crises.
EU Port Strategy
mediumThe EU Port Strategy addresses the security, resilience, and logistical integrity of European maritime ports. It targets organized crime infiltration, illicit trafficking, and critical maritime infrastructure protection through enhanced physical and digital surveillance.
Evaluators expect proposals covering maritime border segments to integrate port surveillance interfaces, focusing on container flow security, sensor coverage, and joint operational response among port authorities and border agencies.
EU Cable Security Action Plan
mediumThe EU Cable Security Action Plan focuses on safeguarding submarine telecommunications and power cables against sabotage, physical attacks, and surveillance by malicious actors. It emphasizes underwater situational awareness, rapid incident detection, and joint response capabilities.
Evaluators expect maritime border surveillance proposals to address seabed and subsea critical infrastructure monitoring where applicable, integrating subsea sensor data into overall maritime situational pictures.
European action plan against drug trafficking
mediumThe EU Roadmap and Action Plan against Drug Trafficking outlines priority actions to disrupt criminal networks, dismantle illicit supply chains, and secure key logistics hubs such as ports and borders. It prioritizes advanced detection technologies, intelligence-led risk analysis, and international cooperation.
Evaluators expect proposals to illustrate how surveillance sensors and data analytics improve interdiction rates for illicit narcotics while minimizing disruptions to legitimate cross-border commerce.
European action plan against weapons trafficking
mediumThe EU Action Plan on Firearms Trafficking aims to curb the illegal trade in weapons and explosives through reinforced border controls, improved traceability, and coordinated intelligence sharing. It emphasizes real-time detection technologies along high-risk land and maritime border routes.
Evaluators expect clear descriptions of technological detection capabilities tailored to detecting concealed weapons and ammunition at external border checkpoints and remote border sections.
European Ocean Pact
lowThe European Ocean Pact represents the EU's commitment to integrated ocean governance, reconciling ocean conservation with a sustainable blue economy. It reinforces commitments across marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and cross-border maritime management.
Evaluators look for holistic approaches linking sustainable seafood supply chains with broader ocean health, stakeholder stewardship, and alignment with maritime governance priorities.
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