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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must position travel facilitation as an inclusive, fundamental-rights-compliant operational capability rather than merely an automated border-control speed upgrade. Success hinges on demonstrating real-world pilot validation up to TRL 7 across diverse Border Crossing Points (BCPs) with at least two national Border/Coast Guard authorities, ensuring tight alignment with Frontex and eu-LISA architectures through privacy-preserving biometric matching and bias-mitigated decision support.
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 and test solutions for advanced seamless travel and border crossing and/or visa procedures, protecting and promoting fundamental rights, minimising the risk for bias and being accessible for all travellers, with no or minimised limitations depending on age, sex, gender, disability, physical or digital abilities. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Test solutions for use with the same approach by all European border control staff in all conditions and BCPs, minimising potential for discrimination or physical or digital divide regarding travel facilitation schemes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Develop solutions including innovative technologies, innovative processes, innovative knowledge and/or a combination thereof, including automated decision support systems suggesting to end-users (border checks operators) which procedure, technology or database can be used without infringing rights of travellers. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Integrate and, if appropriate, further develop biometric matching that minimises data shared (for example limiting to matching scores) to improve data protection. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Address the priorities of the European Border and Coast Guard and of its Agency (Frontex) and eu-LISA, starting from definition of requirements and design phase (basing on EBCG Capability Roadmap), engaging with the Agencies during implementation, and foreseeing observation of pilots and demonstrations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Ensure active involvement of and timely feedback from relevant security practitioners, planning a mid-term deliverable consisting of an assessment of the project's mid-term outcomes performed by involved practitioners. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Improved trusted, secure, and easier automated seamless facilitation for travel, border crossing through border crossing points (BCPs), and/or visa procedures with an integrated approach, minimized risk for bias, and accessible for all travellers minimising digital divides; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Facilitated solutions with same approach adaptable by all European border control staff, in all conditions and border control points (BCPs); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Reduced workload and improved safety, user experience and performance of practitioners’ staff involved in border management. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Addressing priorities and engagement with Frontex and eu-LISAProposals must address priorities of the European Border and Coast Guard, Frontex, and eu-LISA starting from requirements definition, engage with them during implementation, and foresee their observation of pilots and demonstrations. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Practitioner mid-term assessment deliverableProposals must plan a mid-term deliverable consisting of an assessment of the project's mid-term outcomes performed by the security practitioners involved in the project. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Customs Authorities participation welcomeDepending on the particular scope of the proposal, participation of Customs Authorities is welcome. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Handling of EU Classified and Sensitive Information (EUCI/SEN)Some activities may involve using classified background and/or producing security-sensitive results (EUCI and SEN), requiring adherence to section B Security provisions of the General Annexes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Mandatory use of Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS servicesIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Engagement with stakeholders, travellers, migrants, and operatorsResearch projects funded under this Destination should engage with all relevant stakeholders, including travellers, migrants, and operational personnel. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ7Uptake pathways via Integrated Border Management Fund (BMVI/CCEI)Proposals should plan for uptake and operational testing via EU instruments such as the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) and Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) as early as TRL 7. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ8Cooperation with Cluster 3 Knowledge Networks and CERISProjects are invited to cooperate with EU-funded initiatives like the Knowledge Networks for Security Research & Innovation and engage in synergy-building and clustering via CERIS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ9Liaison with EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) Border Security LabFunded projects are encouraged to liaise with the Joint Research Centre, including exploring testing of relevant research outputs at the JRC Border Security Lab. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ10Building on predecessor projects and non-duplicationProposals must demonstrate how they plan to build on relevant predecessor projects and not duplicate prior research across EU Framework Programmes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ11Education, training, and awareness raisingProposals should include education, training, and awareness raising for practitioners and citizens while incorporating citizens' and societal perspectives. | · | · | 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 |
| POL3proposals on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travelThis European Commission initiative establishes a common standard for digital travel credentials (digital passports and ID cards) and creates an EU Digital Travel application to facilitate smoother and faster border checks. It aims to speed up crossing processes, enhance security, and reduce physical bottlenecks while maintaining rigorous Schengen border checks. | · | · | 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).
Restriction on entities controlled by China
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.
Mandatory Border or Coast Guard Authorities involvement
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.
Exclusion of legal entities established in China
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
4 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.
Proposals will be rejected before evaluation if they fail to include at least two Border or Coast Guard Authorities from two different Member States or Associated Countries as active beneficiaries. Applicants must explicitly complete the security practitioner table in the submission tool. Additionally, strict exclusion rules apply to any entity directly or indirectly controlled by China.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators will penalize proposals that treat travel facilitation merely as an automated speed upgrade. To score highly on Excellence and Impact, the solution must explicitly demonstrate how it overcomes digital divides (age, gender, disabilities) and integrates privacy-preserving biometrics (such as score-only matching) that strictly comply with GDPR and the EU AI Act.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
The call mandates a specific mid-term deliverable consisting of an assessment of the project’s outcomes performed directly by the involved security practitioners. Because this is a lump-sum grant, this deliverable must be structurally embedded as a major payment milestone in the work breakdown structure to satisfy evaluators.
Source: Scope
Proposals must design their architectures to integrate seamlessly with eu-LISA core systems (EES, ETIAS) and the EBCG Capability Roadmap. While Frontex and eu-LISA will not assist during proposal preparation, the work plan must explicitly foresee their role as observers during the TRL 7 pilot demonstrations to facilitate future operational uptake.
Source: Scope
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).
Restriction on entities controlled by China
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.
Mandatory Border or Coast Guard Authorities involvement
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.
Exclusion of legal entities established in China
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and 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 “Information about security 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 will focus heavily on mandatory eligibility: active beneficiary participation of at least 2 Border or Coast Guard Authorities from 2 distinct EU MS/AC with completed security practitioner tables, alongside strict compliance with China-control exclusion rules. On Excellence and Impact, evaluators will scrutinize whether the proposed technologies overcome digital divides (disabilities, age, gender) and protect fundamental rights under GDPR and the EU AI Act while reducing border guard cognitive fatigue. Clear operational integration with the EBCG Capability Roadmap, eu-LISA core systems (EES, ETIAS), a mandatory mid-term practitioner assessment deliverable, and a sound lump-sum work breakdown structure will differentiate top-tier submissions.
TRL 4 → 7
Develop and test solutions for advanced seamless travel and border crossing and/or visa procedures, protecting and promoting fundamental rights, minimising the risk for bias and being accessible for all travellers, with no or minimised limitations depending on age, sex, gender, disability, physical or digital abilities.
Test solutions for use with the same approach by all European border control staff in all conditions and BCPs, minimising potential for discrimination or physical or digital divide regarding travel facilitation schemes.
Develop solutions including innovative technologies, innovative processes, innovative knowledge and/or a combination thereof, including automated decision support systems suggesting to end-users (border checks operators) which procedure, technology or database can be used without infringing rights of travellers.
Integrate and, if appropriate, further develop biometric matching that minimises data shared (for example limiting to matching scores) to improve data protection.
Address the priorities of the European Border and Coast Guard and of its Agency (Frontex) and eu-LISA, starting from definition of requirements and design phase (basing on EBCG Capability Roadmap), engaging with the Agencies during implementation, and foreseeing observation of pilots and demonstrations.
Ensure active involvement of and timely feedback from relevant security practitioners, planning a mid-term deliverable consisting of an assessment of the project's mid-term outcomes performed by involved practitioners.
Improved trusted, secure, and easier automated seamless facilitation for travel, border crossing through border crossing points (BCPs), and/or visa procedures with an integrated approach, minimized risk for bias, and accessible for all travellers minimising digital divides;
Facilitated solutions with same approach adaptable by all European border control staff, in all conditions and border control points (BCPs);
Reduced workload and improved safety, user experience and performance of practitioners’ staff involved in border management.
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.
Proposals on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel
highThis European Commission initiative establishes a common standard for digital travel credentials (digital passports and ID cards) and creates an EU Digital Travel application to facilitate smoother and faster border checks. It aims to speed up crossing processes, enhance security, and reduce physical bottlenecks while maintaining rigorous Schengen border checks.
Evaluators expect direct alignment with digital credential specifications (such as ICAO Digital Travel Credentials), technical prototypes for seamless verification, data protection safeguards, and solutions that guarantee universal accessibility for all traveller profiles.
Proposals to strengthen EU legislation to prevent and fight against migrant smuggling
mediumThis legislative package updates the EU legal framework against migrant smuggling by modernising the definition of facilitation offences, setting clearer criminal sanctions, and reinforcing Europol's European Migrant Smuggling Centre. It aims to disrupt criminal networks orchestrating illicit border crossings and exploiters of human vulnerability.
Evaluators expect proposals to address how travel facilitation and identity verification systems can detect fraudulent documentation, alert on smuggling indicators, and protect vulnerable travellers without impeding lawful transit.
European Internal Security Strategy
mediumThe EU Security Union Strategy sets out a comprehensive blueprint to protect Europeans against cross-border threats, terrorism, and organised crime. It focuses on critical infrastructure protection, digital security, interoperability of justice and home affairs databases, and robust external border management.
Evaluators look for clear demonstrations of how streamlined travel flows do not compromise European security, emphasizing real-time cross-checks against EU law enforcement databases (such as SIS and EES) and compliance with privacy rules.
Counter-Terrorism Agenda
mediumThe EU Counter-Terrorism Agenda for the EU sets out strategic actions to anticipate, prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorist threats. It emphasizes secure travel, systematic background checks at external borders, Passenger Name Record (PNR) utilisation, and the disruption of illicit cross-border mobility.
Evaluators expect solutions to integrate advanced risk assessment and screening algorithms into travel facilitation systems without adding friction for low-risk travellers, ensuring threats are intercepted before border arrival.
European action plans against drug trafficking and against weapons trafficking
mediumThese strategic EU action plans coordinate intelligence-led actions, customs cooperation, and border control measures to combat illicit trafficking in firearms and narcotics. They emphasize closing logistics vulnerabilities across air, sea, and land passenger and freight terminals.
Evaluators expect travel facilitation platforms and automated screening checkpoints to support automated anomaly detection or risk indicators that assist border guards in detecting illicit trafficking without delaying standard passenger flows.
Proposals for EU Customs reform
mediumThe EU Customs Reform constitutes a fundamental overhaul establishing a new EU Customs Authority, an EU Customs Data Hub, and streamlined border procedures. It replaces fragmented declarations with centralized, data-driven supply chain oversight and tailored risk management.
Evaluators expect travel facilitation concepts to identify synergies between passenger processing and personal baggage or customs clearance, leveraging digital declarations and integrated data exchanges.
European Preparedness Union Strategy
lowThe European Preparedness Union Strategy outlines comprehensive crisis response protocols across public health, civil protection, and critical infrastructure to ensure the EU can withstand multi-hazard crises. It includes contingency frameworks for maintaining border operations and cross-border connectivity during major systemic disruptions.
Evaluators expect proposals to incorporate operational resilience and continuity mechanisms ensuring travel facilitation technologies remain operational, adaptable, and secure during emergency situations or sanitary crises.
EU Port Strategy
lowThe 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 Maritime Security Strategy
lowThe updated EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) and its Action Plan safeguard the EU maritime domain, protecting vital sea lines of communication, critical maritime infrastructure, and maritime border integrity. It fosters interoperability between civilian maritime authorities, navies, and border agencies.
Evaluators expect proposals touching passenger maritime travel (such as ferries or cruise terminals) to demonstrate seamless coordination with maritime authorities, adhering to maritime security levels (ISPS Code) and integrated domain awareness.
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.
EU Cable Security Action Plan
lowThe EU Cable Security Action Plan aims to enhance the physical and cybersecurity resilience of submarine cable infrastructures vital for EU global connectivity and communications. It establishes monitoring, risk assessment, and rapid recovery mechanisms for critical telecommunications links.
Evaluators expect technical architectures reliant on cross-border cloud and data transport networks to demonstrate robust communication security, data redundancy, and infrastructure resilience against physical or cyber sabotage.
Comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce
lowThe EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce addresses regulatory compliance, consumer safety, and illicit imports arriving via parcel streams from third countries. It unites consumer protection, market surveillance, and customs screening to enforce EU product and safety standards.
Evaluators expect proposals that involve personal courier services or passenger-carried commercial consignments to demonstrate mechanisms for tracking cross-border commercial compliance alongside individual passenger checks.
Competitiveness Compass for the EU
lowThe EU Competitiveness Compass sets strategic directions to strengthen European productivity, technological sovereignty, and economic resilience in key digital and industrial sectors. It focuses on closing innovation gaps, streamlining regulatory burdens, and fostering seamless internal and external market connectivity.
Evaluators expect proposals to highlight the broader economic benefits of frictionless travel facilitation for European business, tourism, and talent mobility, alongside European sovereignty in critical identity and border technologies.
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