Deadline: 05-Nov-2026
The European Commission is launching a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action to improve age assessment practices used in migration, asylum, and border management contexts. The initiative focuses on strengthening child protection, improving reliability and ethical standards, and promoting rights-based approaches for identifying minors across Europe.
About the Initiative
The programme supports research and coordination activities related to:
- Age assessment methods
- Child protection systems
- Migration and asylum procedures
- Human trafficking prevention
- Rights-based border management
- Cooperation among European authorities
The initiative aims to improve how authorities identify and protect unaccompanied minors and vulnerable children.
Funding Details
- Programme Type: Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
- Estimated Budget: €1,330,000
- Submission Process: Single-stage call
- Opening Date: 6 May 2026
- Deadline: 5 November 2026
Main Focus Areas
The initiative focuses on:
- Reliable and less invasive age assessment methods
- Child-centered protection systems
- Scientific evaluation of existing assessment approaches
- Cooperation among migration and law enforcement authorities
- Ethical and rights-based practices
- Harmonization of age assessment approaches across Europe
What the Project Will Examine
The programme will analyse existing age assessment approaches such as:
- Social and interview-based assessments
- Psychological evaluations
- Dental and radiological analysis
- AI-supported and data-driven methods
The project will evaluate:
- Reliability and accuracy
- Scientific validity
- Sensitivity and specificity
- Ethical implications
- Limitations and risks
Important Policy Alignment
The initiative aligns with:
- EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child
- European Union Agency for Asylum guidance
- European Migration Network research
- Child protection and anti-trafficking frameworks
The programme emphasizes:
- Least invasive methods
- Protection of minors
- Respect for fundamental rights
- Evidence-based policymaking
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Public authorities
- Think tanks
- International organisations
- Legal entities eligible under Horizon Europe
Entities from non-associated third countries may also participate under Horizon Europe rules.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a research and coordination proposal
- Focus on analysis of existing age assessment practices
- Demonstrate expertise in child protection, migration, or forensic research
- Include cooperation and knowledge-sharing activities
- Align with EU ethical and child rights principles
FAQ
- What is the main objective of the call?
- To improve age assessment practices for minors in migration and asylum contexts.
- Does the programme fund new technologies?
- No, the initiative focuses on analysing and comparing existing methods.
- What is the funding amount?
- The project budget is approximately €1.33 million.
- What methods will be studied?
- Social, psychological, medical, radiological, and AI-supported assessment methods.
- Why is age assessment important?
- It helps determine access to child protection services, accommodation, and legal safeguards for minors.
- What are the key ethical priorities?
- Protecting children’s rights, minimizing harm, and prioritizing less invasive assessment methods.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s Horizon Europe initiative on age assessment methods aims to strengthen child protection and improve evidence-based, ethical, and rights-focused practices for identifying minors in migration and border management settings across Europe.
For more information, visit European Commission.