Question 1

What EU grants are available for the Security sector?

Accepted Answer

The European Commission offers a wide range of funding opportunities specifically designed for the Security sector. These include grants through Horizon Europe (the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a budget of €95.5 billion), the European Innovation Council (EIC) which provides funding for breakthrough innovations, and various sector-specific initiatives. Funding types range from Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) with 100% funding rates, to Innovation Actions (IA) with 70% funding for companies, and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) for networking and coordination activities. Our database helps you find grants that match your organization's specific needs, project stage, and funding requirements.

Question 2

How do I apply for Security grants from the EU?

Accepted Answer

Applying for EU grants in the Security sector involves several key steps. First, use Grantalist to identify suitable open calls that match your project idea and organization type. Next, carefully review the call documentation, including eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria, and the work programme. Most EU grants require you to form a consortium with partners from at least 3 different EU member states or associated countries. Once ready, you'll submit your proposal through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, which includes a detailed description of your project, work packages, budget breakdown, and impact assessment. The evaluation process typically takes 3-5 months, after which successful applicants enter grant agreement preparation. We recommend starting your application at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Question 3

What is the typical funding amount for Security EU grants?

Accepted Answer

EU grants for the Security sector offer diverse funding levels depending on the programme and action type. Small-scale grants through programmes like EIC Accelerator can start from €500,000 up to €2.5 million in grant funding, plus up to €15 million in equity investment. Collaborative research projects under Horizon Europe typically range from €3 million to €10 million for standard projects, while some large-scale flagship initiatives can exceed €20 million. SMEs and startups often benefit from higher funding rates (up to 70% for Innovation Actions compared to large companies) and access to specialized instruments. The exact amount depends on the specific call topic, project scope, consortium size, and type of activities proposed.

Question 4

Who is eligible for Security EU grants?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Security EU grants extends to a wide range of organizations. Legal entities from EU member states and associated countries (including the UK for some programmes, Norway, Switzerland, and others) are typically eligible. This includes universities and research institutions, large enterprises and multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees, startups and scale-ups, public bodies and NGOs, and international organizations. Some calls specifically target certain organization types, such as SME-only calls or academic-focused research grants. Third-country participation is possible in many programmes, though often without EU funding.

EU Grants for Security

Autonomous vessels in short sea shipping and inland waterways

Demonstration of zero emission coaches and buses in long distance operations (2ZERO Partnership)

Open topic on reinvigorating and shielding European democracy

Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs

AI supporting informed advice for farmers and foresters to improve competitiveness and sustainability

Improving analytical capacity for sustainable competitiveness of the agricultural sector

Access to research infrastructures, their resources and services: large-scale pilots for more integrated scheme across (sub)domains

Strengthening the potential of the EOSC for knowledge valorisation and industry-academia collaboration (EOSC Partnership)

Access to research infrastructure services to enable R&I addressing EU priorities and emerging challenges

Expanding and deepening the EOSC Federation (EOSC Partnership)

Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence

Preparing demonstration missions for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Quantum Space Gravimetry topic

ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions

Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence

New primitives and protocols for functionalities of future hybrid classical-hybrid and quantum networks

Artificial Intelligence for Cybersecurity applications

Secure Computing Continuum (IoT, Edge, Cloud, Data spaces)

Demonstration for Long-duration Battery Energy Storage Systems (BATT4EU Partnership)

Secure PQC implementations, Cryptanalysis and Post-quantum Digital Trust

Demonstration of industrial excess/waste heat conversion to mechanical or electrical power

Reducing soil sealing through sustainable urban and territorial design in the New European Bauhaus

On-site robotic and automated techniques for building renovation and new construction

Demonstrating transformative solutions to increase cross-border climate resilience

Towards community-driven business models: coastal and freshwaters sustainable tourism

Increasing riparian and coastal areas resilience to climate change, including in waterfront cities and islands.

Large-scale demonstration of protection, restoration and management of blue forest ecosystems in European sea basins

Health of ecosystems and wild species, predictions and impacts on human health, in the face of existing and emerging stressors, from a One Health approach

Europe-wide environmental benchmarking system of the industrial bioeconomy sectors

Frequently Asked Questions About Security EU Grants