Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The European Commission is supporting projects that strengthen the prevention, detection, and fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural goods across Europe and beyond.
The programme focuses on improving cooperation, intelligence systems, and operational capabilities for protecting cultural heritage and combating illegal trade networks.
Programme Objectives
The call aims to:
- Prevent illicit trafficking of cultural goods
- Strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation
- Improve intelligence gathering and data analysis
- Enhance protection and repatriation of cultural heritage
- Support operational and investigative tools
- Improve training ecosystems for authorities
Key Focus Areas
Projects may focus on:
- Advanced technologies for tracing cultural goods
- Open-source and geospatial intelligence systems
- Data and network analysis methodologies
- Illegal excavation and trafficking prevention
- Protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage
- Interoperable operational systems and databases
- Evidence collection and investigation support
- Long-term cooperation frameworks between authorities
Operational and Technical Priorities
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Build on existing tools and expertise
- Avoid duplication of previously developed systems
- Integrate operational ecosystems and LEA systems
- Improve database interoperability and governance
- Strengthen intelligence-sharing frameworks
- Enhance tracing and repatriation mechanisms
Funding Information
- Total available funding: €5,000,000
- Funding type: Coordination and Support Action (CSA) under Horizon Europe
Eligible Participants
Eligible applicants include:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- International organisations
- Non-associated third-country entities
- Research institutions and universities
- Law enforcement and judicial support organisations
- Cultural heritage and technology organisations
Additional eligible participants:
- Affiliated entities
- Associated partners
- EU bodies and Joint Research Centre
- Associations and interest groupings
Applicants must:
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete validation before grant agreement signing
Why This Initiative Matters
Illicit trafficking of cultural goods threatens global cultural heritage, finances organized crime, and weakens cultural preservation systems. This initiative strengthens operational coordination, intelligence capabilities, and technology-based protection mechanisms to combat illegal trafficking networks more effectively.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to:
- Improve intelligence and investigative capacities
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation frameworks
- Enhance operational support systems for authorities
- Improve cultural goods tracing and repatriation
- Increase interoperability and data quality across systems
Who Should Apply
- Cultural heritage protection organisations
- Law enforcement support agencies
- Research and technology institutions
- Digital intelligence and cybersecurity organisations
- International cooperation networks
- Judicial and forensic analysis experts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing duplicate tools already available in the sector
- Weak interoperability or operational integration plans
- Limited cross-border cooperation strategies
- Insufficient focus on intelligence and evidence collection
- Lack of practical application for law enforcement agencies
- Incomplete PIC registration procedures
Key Terms
- Illicit trafficking of cultural goods: Illegal trade and movement of cultural heritage items
- Geospatial intelligence: Use of geographic and satellite-based information for analysis
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT): Information collected from publicly available sources
- Interoperability: Ability of systems and databases to work together effectively
- Repatriation: Returning stolen or illegally exported cultural objects to their origin country
FAQ
- What is this European Commission call about?
- It supports projects fighting illicit trafficking of cultural goods through technology and cooperation
- How much funding is available?
- Total funding available is €5 million
- What type of projects are encouraged?
- Projects focused on intelligence systems, operational tools, tracing technologies, and cooperation frameworks
- Who can apply?
- Any eligible legal entity, including international organisations and non-EU entities
- What technologies are supported?
- Data analysis systems, geospatial intelligence, OSINT tools, and interoperable databases
- What is the main objective of the programme?
- To strengthen prevention, investigation, and protection systems against illegal trafficking of cultural goods
Conclusion
The European Commission’s Horizon Europe call strengthens efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural goods by supporting advanced technologies, operational intelligence systems, and international cooperation frameworks that protect global cultural heritage.
For more information, visit European Commission.