Cluster 3 of the Horizon Europe programme supports the implementation of EU policy priorities on security, including cybersecurity, and disaster risk reduction and resilience. It aims also at improving prevention, mitigation, preparedness and capacity building for crises (including health crises).
Additional funding opportunities
The work programme sees an increase of €50 million for 2024, resulting in more projects to be funded, and the addition of 6 newly added call topics for projects:
- HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-05: Combating hate speech online and offline
- HORIZON-CL3-2024-FCT-01-06: Open Topic (Police Authorities’ capabilities to identify, prevent and investigate major contemporary and/or emerging criminal activities)
- HORIZON-CL3-2024-BM-01-01: Open Topic
- HORIZON-CL3-2024-INFRA-01-01: Open Topic
- HORIZON-CL3-2023-DRS-01-02: Design of crisis prevention and preparedness actions in case of digital breakdown (internet, electricity etc.)
- HORIZON-CL3-2024-DRS-01-02: Open Topic
Responding to society needs
Cluster 3 calls for projects are thus challenge driven. They respond to society needs. One big particularity is the need to involve practitioners, such as police forces, firefighters, first aid services, etc. and entities, such as ministries and emergency centres in order for the project results to be designed for those who will need it, have a better market uptake and make a tangible impact.
This need for involvement of practitioners is even a mandatory condition for eligibility for the calls for projects under the following destinations:
- Better protect the EU and its citizens against crime and terrorism (FCT)
- A Disaster-Resilient Society for Europe (DRS)
- Effective management of EU external borders (BM)
- Resilient infrastructure (INFRA)
- Strengthened Security Research and Innovation (SSRI)