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

Demand-led innovation in security

Development of innovative tools, processes, equipment and technologies through responses to disasters and emergencies for search and rescue in hazardous conditions

Improving capabilities of law enforcement to counter climate-related challenges

Prevention and mitigation of misuse of synthetic biology for bioterrorism purposes

Missing persons: prevention and investigation

Tools and processes to support stress tests of critical infrastructure

Reliability of age assessment methods in the context of security and border management

Public procurement of innovation for security

Development of ecosystem and next-generation capabilities for a secured European Critical Communication System in civil security

Designing new ways of risk awareness and enhanced disaster preparedness

Accessible and available travel facilitation

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

Security challenges of the green transition in urban und peri urban areas

Climate security and civil preparedness – new ways to develop pre- and post-crisis climate-change related scenarios for a more resilient Europe

Crime prevention approaches, online and off-line, tackling the nexus between addictions and crime

Additional activities for the European Partnership of Agriculture of Data

Demonstration of solid biofuel supply and conversion to high efficiency CHP from fully sustainable regional value chains

Data sharing to support the training and development of AI foundation models in the energy sector

De-risking renewable fuel technologies through transnational pre-commercial procurement of renewable fuel industrial value chains

Improved system design for innovative PV applications (EUPI-PV Partnership)

Understanding inhabitant’s experiences of neighbourhoods to support their health and well-being

Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods

Automated Scientific Discovery (RAISE pilot) (RIA)

Technologies for innovative processing of raw materials (IA)

Automated Scientific Discovery – Food (RAISE pilot)

Expert network on Critical raw materials (CSA)

Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (IA) (Innovative Advanced Materials for the EU and Processes4Planet partnerships)

Factory processes and automation for de- and re-manufacturing (RIA) (Made in Europe partnership)

Pillar IV: Upgrading the EU’s independent knowledge on China's Science, Technology and Innovation system

Demand-side 3C pilot demonstrators on converged Telco Edge Cloud Infrastructure (IA)

Frequently Asked Questions About Security EU Grants