This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing the physical protection of critical infrastructures against evolving threats, particularly from emerging technologies. It focuses on improving risk assessment capabilities, operational procedures, and developing innovative resilience solutions utilizing inclusive approaches and nature-based solutions.
General information
- Programme
- Horizon Europe (HORIZON)2021–2027
- Call
- Civil Security for Society 2027 HORIZON-CL3-2027-01
- Programme part
- Pillar II · Global Challenges & CompetitivenessCluster 3 · Civil Security for Society
- Destination
- Resilient Infrastructure (2026-27)
- Type of action
- HORIZON-IA Innovation Actions
- Type of MGA
- HORIZON-AG-LS HORIZON Lump Sum Grant
- Status
- Forthcoming
- Deadline model
- Single-stage
- Opening date
- 05.05.2027
- Deadline date
- 04.11.2027, 17:00 Brussels time
- Cross-cutting priorities
Budget overview
| Type of action | Budget 2027 | EU contribution per project | Grants | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HORIZON-IAInnovation Actions | €12M | €6M | 2 | 04.11.2027 |
Expected outcome
Project results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following outcomes:
- Critical infrastructure operators and authorities have improved physical risks and hazards assessment capabilities;
- Perimeter security, access control, surveillance systems, remote sensors and other systems used by or relevant to critical infrastructure operators are capable of coping with threats from misuse of new and emerging technologies;
- Improved operational procedures, including incidents management and training curricula, are developed;
- Innovative solutions for critical infrastructure resilience are being developed, utilising recent advancements in spatial planning, security-by-design, preparedness-by-design and nature-based solutions using an inclusive approach that address diverse needs.
Scope
Physical protection of critical infrastructure should keep up its advancement to match risks and hazards stemming from malicious use of new and emerging technologies, and evolving operational environment, as well as improve its safety and security measures against knowns and emerging threats. Following this approach entities providing essential services should reduce their vulnerability, among others, to threats from improvised explosive devices, ramming attacks, sabotage, uncooperative and hostile unmanned platforms including swarm robotics, penetration of access points by unauthorised individuals and vehicles, unauthorised access to hazardous material storage, removal of critical components, or deterioration of critical infrastructure due to age, inadequate design or changed operational conditions, including climate.
Proposals submitted under this topic should identify and analyse possible new challenges for the physical security of the critical entities and develop adequate tools, recommendations, manuals and training programmes for relevant operators and authorities. Where relevant for their scope proposals should utilise the nature-based solutions and respect principles of biodiversity. Furthermore, solutions should take into account interdependencies in the context of supply chains and their impact on physical protection.
Coordination among the successful proposals from this topic and projects funded under HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-INFRA-01: Open topic for improved preparedness for, response to and recovery from large-scale disruptions of critical infrastructures and HORIZON-CL3-2025-01-INFRA-02: Open topic for role of the human factor for resilience of European critical entities, should be envisaged in order to avoid duplication, share resources and exploit complementarities and opportunities for increased impact.
In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort.
Who can apply
- A consortium of at least three independent organisations from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, at least one from an EU Member State.
- Ukraine has been associated to the programme since 2022: Ukrainian organisations can coordinate and receive funding on equal terms.
- Universities, research organisations, companies (including SMEs), public authorities and NGOs can take part.
Topic-specific condition: 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.The following additional eligibility conditions apply:This topic requires involvement as beneficiaries of at least 3 relevant practitioners from EU Member States or Associated Countries. Depending on the specific proposal submitted, these practitioners should represent one or several of the following portfolios:critical infrastructure operator,authority responsible for critical infrastructure resilience,civil protection authority,law enforcement or private companies providing security for critical infrastructure. 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).
Applicant types in our database: All participants.
How to apply
- Register your organisation on the Funding & Tenders portal and get a PIC (9 digits).
- Build a consortium or join one: use Partner Search on the topic page.
- Download the proposal template (Part A forms, Part B narrative) in the submission system on the topic page.
- Submit by 04.11.2027, 17:00 Brussels time. The system opens on 05.05.2027.
The official topic text, templates and submission are on the Funding & Tenders topic page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline for HORIZON-CL3-2027-01-INFRA-01?
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Become a partner in a proposal
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