Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 Cluster 6. Civil Security for Society
Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027
Cluster 6. Civil Security for Society
European Commission Decision C(2025) 8493 of 11 December 2025
Quotes:
Where applicable, proposals should leverage the data and services available through European Research Infrastructures federated under the European Open Science Cloud, as well as data from relevant Data Spaces. Particular efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable).
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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).
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Efforts should be made to enhance interoperability and data-sharing capabilities between various platforms, emergency response teams, and crisis management systems. A key aspect of this research should be the practical deployment and validation of these technologies through field exercises and simulations in real-world disaster scenarios. User-driven design approaches, prioritising inclusivity and accessibilities should ensure that developed solutions align with the operational needs of responders in disasters., Proposals should develop a command-and-control solution that allows organisation of all activities, ensuring a swift, coordinated, and effective response to any disaster with clear plan for uptake after the project.
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Development and validation of advanced tools, technologies, and data-driven solutions for climate – and environmental – risk forecasting, crisis management, and adaptation, including risk analytical and assessment tools, weather alerts and forecasts;
Development and validation of new risk-management tools, technologies and data, closer to operational environment. Focus on local and regional risk-management and climate adaptation work should be prioritized;
- Pre-crisis analysis and post-crisis situational awareness in case of those disasters related to climate change (floods, fires, landslides, heat waves, etc.)
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The expected outcome is to create systems that not only enhance operational efficiency and response times but also foster better collaboration among stakeholders, including local authorities, emergency services, and other relevant actors. This includes integrating drones with state emergency vehicles, smart traffic systems, and law enforcement to enhance data driven disaster preparedness and emergency response, ensuring effective coordination and faster decision-making for local authorities.
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improved knowledge/experience-sharing from past emergencies to cope with future emergencies, also strengthening trans-national knowledge and data exchange among EU countries as well as from early warning to early action.
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And also note the various exceptions made concerning project cooperation with non-EU partners
Note the followind paper quoted in the text mentioned above:
European Commission: Joint Research Centre, Favino, R., Conte, N., De Maleville, A., Garcia Monreal, E., Montanari, E., Paganini, A., Sangiorgi, M. and Sfalagkiaris, C.E.,
Emerging risks and opportunities for EU internal security stemming from new technologies,
Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2025,
https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/9617320 , JRC139674
Quotes:
a clear EU-wide framework is needed, with interoperability standards and adapted guidelines.
Additionally, individuals must be held accountable for their actions
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Cybersecurity and investment in secure technologies: LEAs should take care to invest in secure, interoperable, and privacy-preserving technologies to protect citizens’ data, avoid getting trapped in isolated solutions, and prevent cyber threats.
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Legal factors to be considered:
- Lack of effective regulation
- Regulatory compliance
- Clear regulatory framework
- Excessive legislation/regulation for the use of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs)
- such as any AI-based systems that are required by Law Enforcement Agencies
- Less excessive legislative regulation
- Make responsible people responsible for their doing or not doing
- Clear EU wide framework (e.g. car industry obliged by regulation to modify their production
- despite lobbies and political pressure)
- Interoperability Standards
- Increased trade barriers will limit access to components and increase inflation.
- Fragmented Regulatory Environment
- Court’s decisions protecting privacy
- Regulation, standardisation and guidelines adapted to future needs
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Information and Communication Technology – Software (ICT/SW)
Extended Reality (XR) for training scenarios and border management.
Extended Reality (XR) will enable law enforcement agencies to simulate and train for complex scenarios, such as terrorist attacks, improving their response times and effectiveness in critical situations.
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Security Open Radio Access Network
The Security Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is a 5G standard that provides an open, adaptive, and intelligent infrastructure for radio access networks. While it offers interoperability and flexibility, its openness also introduces significant security and privacy risks, exposing it to various vulnerabilities that could lead to severe issues if mismanaged.
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