Open Call: Secured European Critical Communication System for Civil Security

The European Commission is launching a funding opportunity under European Commission to develop the European Union Critical Communication System (EUCCS). This initiative aims to build a secure, interoperable, and resilient communication ecosystem for civil security operations across Europe, particularly for law enforcement, first responders, and emergency services.

Programme Objective

The main objective is to enhance Europe’s civil security communication infrastructure by:

• Developing a unified and secure communication system (EUCCS)
• Improving interoperability across agencies and countries
• Supporting mission-critical communication in high-risk environments
• Enhancing real-time communication for emergency responders
• Strengthening resilience in areas without reliable network coverage
• Ensuring secure authentication and data exchange
• Advancing next-generation public safety communication technologies

Focus Areas

The programme supports innovation in advanced communication systems, including:

• Mission-critical communication devices and applications (MCX-based systems)
• Secure and interoperable communication architectures using open APIs
• Integration of wearable sensors for operational monitoring
• Use of haptic feedback systems for hands-free communication
• Augmented reality tools for situational awareness
• Communication systems for off-grid or network-deprived environments
• Cross-agency and pan-European interoperability frameworks
• Contributions to standardisation and technical harmonisation

Cybersecurity and Advanced Technologies

A key component of the programme is secure communication infrastructure, including:

• Post-quantum cryptography for authentication and encryption
• Secure data exchange protocols for mission-critical operations
• High-resilience systems resistant to cyber and physical disruptions
• Compliance with future EUCCS architecture standards

Operational Requirements

Developed solutions must:

• Support first responders and civil security practitioners
• Function in extreme or infrastructure-limited environments
• Ensure high availability and operational reliability
• Be compatible with 3GPP Mission Critical Services (MCX) standards
• Support interoperability across agencies and EU member states
• Be designed with input from operational users and emergency personnel

Inclusiveness and Design Principles

The initiative emphasizes human-centred and inclusive design by:

• Incorporating gender-sensitive communication system design
• Ensuring accessibility for diverse user groups
• Engaging first responders in system development and testing
• Promoting usability in real-world operational scenarios

Funding Details

• Programme type: Horizon Europe Innovation Action
• Topic code: HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-SSRI-04
• Budget per project: Approximately €3,000,000
• Submission type: Single-stage call
• Opening date: 6 May 2026
• Closing date: 5 November 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Any legal entity established in eligible countries
• Entities from non-associated third countries (subject to conditions)
• International organisations

Administrative requirements:

• Registration in the Horizon Europe Participant Register
• Obtaining a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
• Compliance with Horizon Europe Regulation and call-specific rules

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative strengthens Europe’s ability to respond to emergencies, disasters, and security threats through reliable and secure communication systems. By integrating advanced technologies such as augmented reality, wearable sensors, and post-quantum cryptography, it modernises civil security infrastructure and ensures operational continuity in critical situations.

Key Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to deliver:

• A unified and interoperable EU critical communication ecosystem
• Improved safety and coordination for emergency responders
• Enhanced cybersecurity for mission-critical communications
• Greater operational effectiveness in disaster and crisis response
• Standardised communication frameworks across Europe
• Next-generation communication tools for civil security agencies

Conclusion

The EUCCS funding initiative under the European Commission represents a major Horizon Europe investment in next-generation civil security communications. It focuses on building a secure, interoperable, and resilient communication system that enhances emergency response capabilities and strengthens cross-border coordination across Europe.