Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU) funding programme for the period 2021 – 2027, which targets the sectors of research and innovation. The programme’s budget is around € 95.5 billion, of which € 5.4 billion is from NextGenerationEU to stimulate recovery and strengthen the EU’s resilience in the future, and € 4.5 billion is additional aid.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
European customs need improved capabilities that allow bettering and automatically detecting from traces; interpreting images from scanned cargo; interpreting data; tracking goods; and/or identifying anomalies that support the detection of threats, smuggling or illicit trade eliminating or minimizing disruption to the trade flow. The proposed system should hence advance and/or combine as much as possible the components of detection, tracking and risk-based anticipation.
Detailed Call Description
On detection, the proposed solution(s) could include trustworthy algorithms for recognition that minimise false positives and biases. Proposed research could include, for example, image (shape) recognition and interpretation, and/or a trace detection approach
On tracking, the research can propose and explore, for example, technologies for improved traceability of goods and items that could be illicitly trafficked using non-invasive markings.
On risk-based anticipation, the proposed solution(s) can leverage automated image recognition and interpretation capability coupled with data analytics, such as using advance cargo information in order to anticipate and detect security risks prior to goods’ arrival at the EU external borders.
The research project can test one or more specific use cases, such as (non-exhaustive examples): art; cultural goods; waste and other environmentally risky material, including radioactive ones; valuables; and/or dangerous items either assembled or disassembled.
Improving energy efficiency and environmental impact aspects of new security technologies for this capability (e.g. low environmental footprint, low emissions, circular economy aspects and/or self-sustained equipment) would be desirable.
Examples of technologies and approaches that can be explored by the research projects include (non-prescriptive and non-exhaustive): scanning (vision), detectors/”sniffers” (traces), nanotechnology, blockchain/DLT, artificial intelligence.
Research projects should consider, build on (if appropriate) and not duplicate previous research, including but not limited to research by other recent EU Framework Programmes projects on security research.
Proposals should delineate the plans for further development to subsequent TRLs as well as uptake (industrialisation, commercialisation, acquisition and/or deployment) at national and EU level, should the research deliver on its goals. The results of the research should be taken up by EU customs authorities in the framework of the Customs Union “acting as one”, with the support of the Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI).
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
100%
Expected EU contribution per project: €3.00 million
Thematic Categories
- Justice - Security
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Central Government
- International Organisations
- Legal Entities under Public Law
- Local Authorities
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
The following exceptions apply: subject to restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: This topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 2 Customs Authorities from at least 2 different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
For these participants, applicants must fill in the table “Information about security practitioners” in the application form with all the requested information, following the template provided in the submission IT tool.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Research and Innovation Foundation
29a Andrea Michalakopoulou, 1075 Nicosia,
P.B. 23422, 1683 Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22205000
Fax: +357 22205001
Email: support@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/en/
Contact Persons:
Dr. Ioannis Theodorou
Scientific Officer
Τelephone: +357 22 20 50 38
Email: itheodorou@research.org.cy
Christakis Theocharous
Scientific Officer A’
Telephone: +357 22 20 50 29
Email: ctheocharous@research.org.cy