Deadline: 05-Nov-2026
The Horizon Europe Civil Security Programme aims to strengthen safety and security in schools and other publicly accessible confined spaces across Europe.
The programme focuses on protecting:
- Pupils and students
- School staff
- Public administration workers
- Citizens in confined public spaces
- Communities vulnerable to radicalisation and violence
The initiative combines societal and technological approaches while ensuring compliance with fundamental rights, privacy, and personal data protection standards.
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports projects that:
- Prevent terrorism and lone-actor violence
- Detect early signs of radicalisation and isolation
- Improve school and public space security
- Promote inclusive and secure environments
- Strengthen crisis preparedness
- Improve cooperation between police and schools
- Support public safety innovation
- Enhance security methodologies and risk assessment
Projects should develop solutions suitable for:
- Schools
- Public administration buildings
- Places of worship
- Public facilities
- Other confined public spaces
Why This Programme Matters
European schools and public spaces face increasing risks related to:
- Terrorism
- Lone-actor attacks
- Violent extremism
- Social isolation
- Radicalisation
The programme aims to improve prevention and preparedness while protecting civil liberties and maintaining safe, inclusive environments for citizens.
The initiative also encourages stronger collaboration between:
- Police authorities
- Educational institutions
- Security practitioners
- Public administrators
- Community organisations
Funding Details
The funding opportunity is listed under:
- HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-FCT-05
- Horizon Europe Innovation Actions
Funding information:
- Total available funding: €9,670,000
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Any legal entity worldwide
- International organisations
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Public authorities
- Security organisations
- NGOs and associations
- Entities from non-associated third countries
Additional eligible participants may include:
- Affiliated entities
- Associated partners
- EU bodies
- The Joint Research Centre
- Interest groupings and associations
Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules and topic-specific conditions.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a project focused on civil security and terrorism prevention
- Include societal and technological approaches
- Ensure compliance with privacy and human rights protections
- Register in the Horizon Europe Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Submit a complete proposal before the deadline
Strong proposals should demonstrate:
- Security innovation
- Prevention methodologies
- Practical implementation plans
- Multi-stakeholder cooperation
- Risk assessment expertise
- Respect for fundamental rights
Tips for Applicants
To improve proposal quality:
- Include multidisciplinary partnerships
- Focus on prevention and early intervention
- Address privacy and data protection concerns
- Demonstrate real-world applicability
- Include cooperation between schools and police authorities
- Prioritise inclusive and non-discriminatory approaches
Avoid proposals that rely solely on surveillance technologies without societal prevention measures.
FAQ
What is the focus of the programme?
The programme supports projects aimed at improving civil security in schools and confined public spaces across Europe.
How much funding is available?
The total funding amount is €9.67 million.
Who can apply?
Any eligible legal entity worldwide, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries, may participate.
What threats does the programme address?
The initiative focuses on terrorism, lone-actor violence, radicalisation, and security risks in confined public spaces.
Are privacy and human rights important in this programme?
Yes. Projects must fully respect privacy, personal data protection, and fundamental rights.
What is a Participant Identification Code (PIC)?
A PIC is a unique registration number required for organisations participating in Horizon Europe funding programmes.
Conclusion
The Horizon Europe Civil Security in Schools and Public Spaces Programme 2026 supports innovative projects that improve safety, prevent radicalisation, and strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and security authorities. The initiative aims to create safer and more inclusive public environments across Europe through balanced societal and technological solutions.
For more information, visit European Commission.