Enhancing the security of citizens against terrorism and lone-actor violence in confined spaces such as schools

Overview

Funding for research and innovation projects aimed at enhancing the security of citizens in confined spaces like schools against terrorism and lone-actor violence. Targets consortia involving police authorities, civil society organizations, and multidisciplinary experts to develop societal and technological solutions.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising at least three police authorities and two civil society or non-governmental organizations from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries. Additional eligible applicants include IT specialists, psychologists, sociologists, and other relevant stakeholders.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 6,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Projects addressing:

• Prevention of terrorism and lone-actor violence in confined spaces (e.g., schools, places of worship, public administration buildings).
• Early detection and tackling of radicalization and isolation, considering social, cultural, and gender factors.
• Development of affordable, state-of-the-art security solutions for public institutions.
• Awareness-raising and training programs for relevant staff (e.g., school employees, public administration workers).
• Improved cooperation between police authorities and relevant staff.
• Integration of social research with technological development, ensuring contributions from SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) disciplines.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must operate at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-05
• Deadline: 2026-11-04

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process. Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Post-Award Obligations

• Mid-term deliverable: Assessment of project outcomes by involved security practitioners.
• Plans for future uptake and upscaling at national and EU levels.
• Coordination with other successful proposals to avoid duplication and maximize impact.
• Engagement with the EU Drugs Agency if drug-related issues are addressed.
• Compliance with fundamental rights, including privacy and data protection.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Consortia must include at least three police authorities and two civil society organizations from different eligible countries.
• Projects must respect fundamental rights, including privacy and data protection.
• Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS is mandatory if satellite-based data/services are utilized.
• Proposals should build on outcomes from previous EU-funded projects and avoid duplication.