The European Commission, through the European Research Executive Agency (REA), has launched a major funding opportunity under Horizon Europe Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society. This initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s capacity to address growing security challenges through cutting-edge research, innovation, and collaboration among researchers, institutions, public authorities, and industry stakeholders.

With proposals due by 5 November 2026, this funding programme offers organizations the opportunity to secure support for projects that contribute to crime prevention, counter-terrorism efforts, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, border management, and critical infrastructure protection.

As global security threats continue to evolve, the Horizon Europe Cluster 3 programme seeks innovative solutions that enhance the safety, resilience, and security of societies across Europe and beyond.

About Horizon Europe Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation framework programme. Within this framework, Cluster 3 focuses specifically on “Civil Security for Society.”

The programme responds to a broad range of contemporary security challenges, including:

Cybercrime and cybersecurity threats
Terrorism and organized crime
Border security challenges
Natural disasters
Human-made disasters
Protection of critical infrastructure
Privacy and trust in digital systems
Crisis management and emergency response

Through strategic investments in research and innovation, the European Commission aims to support solutions that help build safer, more resilient, and more secure societies.

Funding Areas Available in 2026

Applicants can submit proposals under several thematic areas within Cluster 3.

1. Better Protect the EU and its Citizens against Crime and Terrorism

This funding area supports projects designed to:

Prevent and combat crime
Counter terrorism and radicalization
Improve law enforcement capabilities
Develop innovative security technologies
Strengthen intelligence and investigative tools
Enhance public safety measures

Projects should contribute to a safer environment for European citizens while respecting fundamental rights and democratic values.

2. Effective Management of External Borders

This topic supports innovative solutions that improve border management and security.

Potential project areas include:

Smart border technologies
Border surveillance systems
Identity management solutions
Migration management support tools
Risk assessment technologies
Cross-border cooperation mechanisms

The goal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of external border operations while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

3. Resilient Infrastructures

Critical infrastructure forms the backbone of modern societies. This funding area supports projects focused on:

Infrastructure resilience
Protection of energy systems
Transportation security
Water supply protection
Communication networks security
Risk prevention and mitigation
Infrastructure recovery and continuity planning

Projects should strengthen society’s ability to withstand and recover from disruptions and attacks.

4. A Disaster Resilient Society for Europe

Natural disasters and emergencies continue to pose significant challenges worldwide. This funding stream supports projects aimed at:

Disaster risk reduction
Early warning systems
Emergency preparedness
Climate-related disaster resilience
Crisis response technologies
Community resilience initiatives
Disaster recovery strategies

Successful projects will contribute to improving Europe’s preparedness and response capacity.

5. Strengthened Security Research and Innovation (SSRI)

This thematic area focuses on strengthening Europe’s overall security research ecosystem through:

Research capacity building
Innovation acceleration
Knowledge transfer
Stakeholder collaboration
Policy support
Security innovation ecosystems
Technology adoption and scaling

Projects are expected to bridge the gap between research findings and practical implementation.

Deadline for Applications

Application Deadline: 5 November 2026

Applicants are encouraged to begin consortium building and proposal preparation as early as possible due to the complexity and competitiveness of Horizon Europe funding opportunities.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity is particularly relevant for:

Universities
Research institutions
Security agencies
Public authorities
Technology companies
Cybersecurity firms
Innovation hubs
SMEs
Civil society organizations
Non-governmental organizations
International research partnerships
Disaster management agencies
Border management authorities
Law enforcement organizations

Collaborative projects involving multiple organizations and countries are often encouraged under Horizon Europe.

Support Available for Applicants

The European Research Executive Agency provides extensive support to applicants throughout the proposal preparation process.

Available resources include:

Guidance on Building a Consortium

Applicants can access support and recommendations on:

Finding suitable project partners
Creating multidisciplinary teams
Building strong international collaborations
Structuring effective consortia

Application Process Guidance

Prospective applicants can obtain information regarding:

Proposal preparation
Funding rules
Eligible project types
Evaluation criteria
Submission procedures

Open Science Requirements

Applicants must ensure compliance with Horizon Europe principles relating to:

Open access publishing
Research data management
Transparency and reproducibility
Knowledge sharing

Gender Equality Requirements

Projects must address Horizon Europe requirements concerning:

Gender equality considerations
Inclusive research practices
Gender-sensitive approaches where relevant

Managing a Successful Horizon Europe Project

Organizations that receive funding will need to effectively manage project implementation.

The programme offers guidance on:

Project Management

Including:

Grant agreement compliance
Financial management
Consortium coordination
Deliverable management
Reporting obligations

Communication Activities

Beneficiaries are expected to:

Communicate project achievements
Increase visibility of project outcomes
Engage stakeholders
Promote public awareness

Dissemination and Exploitation

Projects should develop strategies for:

Sharing research findings
Maximizing impact
Supporting policy development
Commercializing innovations where appropriate

Policy Impact

The programme also provides guidance on how project results can effectively inform policymakers and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Security challenges today are increasingly interconnected and complex. Cyber threats, organized crime, infrastructure vulnerabilities, climate-related disasters, and emerging technologies require innovative responses supported by robust research and collaboration.

Through Horizon Europe Cluster 3, the European Union is investing in transformative ideas that can strengthen security, resilience, and societal well-being while fostering technological advancement and scientific excellence.

For organizations working at the intersection of security, innovation, technology, and public policy, this funding opportunity provides a valuable platform to develop impactful solutions and contribute to a safer future.

Official Link

European Research Executive Agency (REA):

Apply here

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