Horizon Europe – Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society

Through Cluster 3 of the Horizon Europe programme, with a total budget of €1.6 billion over seven years (and approximately €400 million allocated for 2025), the EU supports both technological and social solutions aimed at strengthening institutional resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering public trust.

Cluster 3 is designed as a multidisciplinary platform that addresses a broad range of security threats – from organised crime, terrorism, and cybercrime to the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and hybrid or human-made crises. The aim is not only to protect against risks but to build a comprehensive resilience system that also safeguards democratic institutions and promotes social cohesion.

The European Commission promotes an approach based on prevention, adaptability, and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on the concept of inclusive security – involving vulnerable groups, ensuring access to information, upholding ethical standards, and protecting fundamental rights. A key priority is also the early involvement of end-users – such as police, fire services, civil protection units, and local authorities – to ensure solutions meet real operational needs.

Cluster 3 is divided into the following areas, known as Destinations:

• Destination 1: Better protection of the EU and its citizens against crime and terrorism
• Destination 2: Effective management of the EU’s external borders
• Destination 3: Resilient infrastructure
• Destination 4: Increased cybersecurity
• Destination 5: A disaster-resilient society for Europe
• Destination 6: Strengthened security research and innovation

Projects must be implemented within an international consortium of at least three entities from three different countries and must respond to clearly defined needs from the field. Proposals are evaluated based on their excellence, impact, feasibility, and alignment with broader EU strategies.

The calls for proposals for 2025 are open until 12 November, so now is the ideal time to begin preparing your project.

With dozens of successful Horizon Europe proposals behind us, we know what makes a project stand out. We’ll support you at every stage – from selecting the right call and forming a strong consortium to submitting a high-quality application.

If you’re considering participating in one of the upcoming calls, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll help you unlock the full potential of your project idea.