Civil Security for Society: 38 new calls

Civil Security for Society: 38 new calls

The Horizon Europe Civil Security calls 2026-2027 offer a unique opportunity to access EU funding for projects focused on security, resilience and crisis management. With 21 open calls in 2026 and 17 planned for 2027, the programme drives technological innovation, public-private collaboration and the development of solutions addressing critical challenges such as climate change, crime and infrastructure protection.

New opportunities in Horizon Europe Civil Security

The Horizon Europe Civil Security for Society programme is once again at the forefront of European innovation, with a new wave of calls aimed at strengthening resilience, citizen security and crisis management across Europe.

Currently, 21 calls are open in 2026, complemented by 17 additional opportunities planned for 2027, creating one of the most significant funding packages in the field of civil security within the European framework.

This volume of opportunities not only reflects the strategic importance of security for the European Union, but also opens the door for consortia, companies and research centres aiming to position themselves in high-impact projects.

Explore all Horizon Europe Civil Security calls (2026–2027) in detail and access full information on the 38 available opportunities on Kaila.

View all calls on Kaila

Overview of Horizon Europe Civil Security calls

A strategic programme for Europe

Cluster 3 of Horizon Europe, focused on civil security, addresses critical challenges that directly impact European society:

  • Protection of critical infrastructures
  • Fighting crime and terrorism
  • Border management
  • Disaster resilience
  • Innovation in disruptive security technologies

This comprehensive approach enables the EU to tackle complex threats, ranging from climate change to the malicious use of emerging technologies.

Horizon Europe Civil Security calls 2026: 21 open opportunities

The 2026 calls adopt a highly practical approach, with projects typically aiming for high technology readiness levels (TRL 5–8).

Key thematic areas

Resilience of critical infrastructures

The EU prioritises the protection of essential services against complex risks, including natural disasters and hybrid threats.

A notable example is:

  • Development of innovative capabilities to enhance resilience against multi-hazard disasters

These initiatives aim to improve coordination between authorities, operators and emergency responders, while integrating advanced decision-making tools.

Fighting crime and terrorism

Another key area focuses on developing technological tools and social approaches to combat new forms of crime.

Key topics include:

  • Preventing the misuse of emerging technologies
  • Enhancing security in public and sensitive spaces
  • Research on missing persons

These calls combine technological innovation with social sciences to maximise real-world impact.

Disaster management and climate resilience

Europe is strengthening its preparedness for extreme events linked to climate change.

A particularly relevant topic is:

  • Development of climate security scenarios and crisis management tools

These initiatives integrate data, predictive models and technologies such as AI and digital twins.

Security innovation and procurement

The programme also promotes innovation through public demand mechanisms:

  • PCP (Pre-Commercial Procurement)
  • PPI (Public Procurement of Innovation)

This approach supports the entry of start-ups and SMEs into the European security ecosystem.

Border management and European security

Digitalisation and automation of borders are also key priorities:

  • Advanced surveillance
  • Digital travel credentials
  • Secure travel facilitation

These actions aim to balance security with fundamental rights.

Horizon Europe Civil Security calls 2027: 17 upcoming opportunities

Anticipating strategic priorities

The 2027 calls expand the focus towards emerging technologies and future challenges.

Key areas include:

Advanced infrastructure protection

  • Physical security against new technological threats

Disruptive innovation in security

  • Support for SMEs and start-ups to scale innovative solutions

Societal resilience and citizen engagement

  • Youth involvement in disaster management
  • New methodologies for societal preparedness

Advanced technologies for crisis and emergencies

  • AI-based decision support systems
  • Smart protective equipment

New threats and digital security

  • Detection of online risks
  • Use of artificial intelligence in security

Key trends in European security funding

Technological innovation applied to security

The calls strongly emphasise technologies such as:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Big Data
  • Digital twins
  • Robotics and drones

These solutions improve the ability to anticipate and respond to complex crises.

Multidisciplinary and societal approach

The European Commission increasingly requires integration of:

  • Social sciences
  • Gender perspective
  • Inclusion of vulnerable groups

This ensures that technological solutions deliver tangible societal impact.

Public-private collaboration

Projects encourage consortia involving:

  • Public authorities
  • Technology companies
  • Universities
  • NGOs

This model facilitates the uptake of results in real operational environments.

Market acceleration and scalability

The calls include mechanisms to:

  • Validate technologies in real-world settings
  • Enable innovative public procurement
  • Support commercialisation

How to leverage Horizon Europe Civil Security calls

Identify strategic alignment

Before submitting a proposal, it is essential to:

  • Analyse alignment with EU priorities
  • Assess required TRL levels
  • Identify key partners

Build strong consortia

Successful projects typically include:

  • End-users (police, civil protection, etc.)
  • Technology providers
  • Research organisations

Focus on impact and scalability

The European Commission places strong emphasis on:

  • Measurable impact
  • Practical applicability
  • Replicability

A strategic opportunity to lead security innovation in Europe

The launch of 21 open calls and 17 upcoming opportunities within Horizon Europe Civil Security represents a turning point in European funding for this sector.

Europe is not only seeking technological solutions, but also integrated approaches combining innovation, societal impact and international cooperation.

For companies, research centres and public organisations, now is the time to position themselves within an ecosystem that will shape the future of European security.

Discover more insights and updates on European funding calls on our blog.

Tags: Calls, European funding, Horizon Europe