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

European Digital Media Observatory Hubs

Supporting the Network of National Contact Points (NCPs) of the Digital Europe Programme

Volunteering Teams in High Priority Areas - 2026

Virtual worlds test beds

Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs

Data Space for Manufacturing

Health: Data ingestion capacities and data services for the European Genomic Data Infrastructure in the European Health Data Space: data tools

ELEVATE: European League of Advanced Digital Skills Academies

Deployment of cutting-edge multi-modal AI-based solutions in medical imaging

Global collaboration action on climate and health in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action towards better prevention, treatment and clinical management of HIV co-infections or co-morbidities in sub-Saharan Africa

Global collaboration action for prevention and treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) in sub-Saharan Africa

European Startup and Scaleup Hubs pilot

Selection of hosting sites and fellows for EFSA's European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship (EU-FORA) Programme.

Alliances for Education and Enterprises

Cross-border renewable energy works projects

Cross-border renewable energy studies projects

Pillar I: Building institutional capacities for ethical, equitable, open, and inclusive ERA

Development of safe and sustainable alternatives to substances of concern (IA)

Innovative AI methods and technologies for the process industries (RIA) (Processes4Planet and AI, Data and Robotics partnerships)

A European HPC-centric Benchmark Framework

Targeting key value chain components for increasing the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Europe

Development of direct recycling processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Next generation of renewable energy technologies

Regional Cable Hubs

Coordinated preparedness testing and other preparedness actions

Novel solutions for off-grid storage of renewable energy for critical infrastructures

Cybersecure tools, technologies and services relying on AI

Uptake of innovative cybersecurity solutions for SMEs

Frequently Asked Questions About Security EU Grants