Preventing and fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods

Overview

Funding for projects combating illicit trafficking of cultural goods by enhancing cross-border cooperation, intelligence gathering, and capacity building among law enforcement, customs, and cultural heritage professionals. Targets consortia developing sustainable tools, training ecosystems, and data-driven solutions to safeguard cultural heritage.

Who Can Apply

Consortia comprising:

• At least three security practitioner organizations (e.g., law enforcement, customs, police) from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• At least two scientific research institutions specializing in cultural heritage trafficking.
• Legal entities from non-associated third countries may participate exceptionally and are eligible for funding.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: €6,000,000 (lump sum).
• Up to 15% of EU funding may be allocated as financial support to third parties (e.g., NGOs, research groups) in grants of up to €60,000 each.

What Is Funded

• Development of interoperable tools and platforms for data sharing, intelligence gathering, and evidence collection (e.g., AI, machine learning, geospatial analysis).
• Standardized training materials and capacity-building programs for law enforcement, customs, and cultural heritage professionals.
• Consolidation of existing solutions to avoid duplication, with a focus on market readiness and operational uptake.
• Long-term governance frameworks and sustainable business models for post-project functionality.
• Activities addressing under-studied regions, conflict zones, and disaster-affected areas.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9, focusing on operational deployment and adoption.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-05-11T22:00:00Z.
• Deadline: 2026-09-22T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Mandatory submission of a detailed budget table and a 33-page Part B application (Coordination and Support Action format).

Post-Award Obligations

• Development of a validated, operational business model and governance framework before project end.
• Collaboration with EU agencies (e.g., CEPOL, Europol Innovation Lab) and alignment with existing initiatives (e.g., ECCCH, E-RIHS).
• Reporting on tool adoption, training outcomes, and long-term sustainability.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Associated Countries (Norway, Iceland, UK, Switzerland), and exceptionally non-associated third countries.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must avoid creating new tools where existing solutions can be consolidated.
• Synergies with prior EU-funded projects (e.g., OPFA-CULT) and international frameworks are required.
• Use of Copernicus/Galileo data is mandatory for projects involving satellite-based services.
• Classified or security-sensitive results may be involved; adherence to EUCI/SEN provisions applies.