Effective and evidence-based responses to the increased availability and use of synthetic drugs and stimulants in Europe

Overview

Funding for projects developing evidence-based strategies to address the rising availability and use of synthetic drugs and stimulants in Europe, targeting prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and combating drug trafficking. Intended for consortia involving police authorities, civil society organizations, and researchers.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising at least three police authorities and two civil society organizations (or NGOs) from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries. Other eligible entities include research institutions, public bodies, and private organizations, subject to Horizon Europe eligibility rules.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €7,833,000
• Funding rate: Not specified (lump-sum funding model)
• Co-funding: Not explicitly required, but consortia must demonstrate financial and operational capacity.

What Is Funded

• Evidence-based prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies for synthetic drugs and stimulants.
• Tools and technologies to combat drug trafficking across the supply chain.
• Analysis of external drivers (geopolitical, legal, societal) affecting drug availability and use.
• Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and security practitioners to address gaps in pharmacological data and risk assessments.
• Mitigation of violence and criminal behavior linked to drug use and marketing, with attention to socio-economic and cultural factors.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Projects must balance technological and societal dimensions and engage with the Europol Innovation Lab and EU Drugs Agency for validation.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-05-04
• Deadline: 2027-11-03T23:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a mid-term deliverable assessing project outcomes with input from security practitioners.

Post-Award Obligations

• Coordination with other funded projects to avoid duplication and maximize impact.
• Engagement with the Europol Innovation Lab and EU Drugs Agency for outcome validation.
• Compliance with Horizon Europe reporting and dissemination requirements, including potential restrictions on ownership transfers or exclusive licensing of results for up to four years post-project.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States and Associated Countries (additional non-EU/non-associated countries may participate under specific conditions).
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for projects involving satellite-based data.
• Proposals must address both technological and societal aspects of synthetic drug challenges.
• Consortia must complete the "Information about security practitioners" table in the application form.