New advanced tools and processes for Operational Cybersecurity

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop cutting-edge solutions that strengthen cybersecurity cooperation across Europe. It aims to boost the EU’s leadership and independence in cybersecurity, ensuring that critical infrastructure and digital supply chains are protected. The focus is on improving awareness and readiness against cyber and hybrid threats, expanding the capabilities of cybersecurity teams, and developing advanced testing and crisis management tools. The initiative encourages cross-sector and cross-border collaboration, especially among public sector organizations. Only organizations based in EU Member States and Associated Countries can participate.

• Projects must develop innovative frameworks, technologies, tools, processes, or services to reinforce cybersecurity cooperation.
• Proposals should address at least two key outcomes, such as improved situational awareness, readiness for cyber threats, expanded SOC/CSIRT functionality, advanced testing facilities, or crisis management frameworks.
• Projects should align with EU cybersecurity policies and strategies.
• Only legal entities in EU Member States and Associated Countries are eligible.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries or entities cannot participate.

Examples:

• A project that creates a digital twin platform for testing cyber resilience of energy networks.
• An initiative that develops cross-border crisis management tools for public sector cybersecurity teams.
• A collaboration to expand the threat detection capabilities of national SOCs and CSIRTs.

• Personnel costs for project staff
• Costs of equipment and software needed for cybersecurity development
• Subcontracting for specialized cybersecurity services
• Travel and meeting expenses for project activities
• Costs for developing and maintaining testing facilities, such as digital twins
• Expenses related to dissemination and communication of project results
• Training and capacity building activities
• Administrative and management costs directly linked to the project
• Costs for cross-sector or cross-border cooperation tools
• Other direct expenses necessary for the project’s objectives

All expenses must fit within the lump sum contribution rules of the Horizon Europe Programme.

• Budget for this Call: 23,500,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 4 
• Maximum value per project: 6,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 4,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• Entities controlled, directly or indirectly, by organizations from non-eligible countries are not allowed to participate.
• Applicants must complete and submit the Ownership Control Declaration (except for certain specified topics).
• Projects must align with the focus and objectives of the call.
• Proposals should address at least two of the expected outcomes listed in the opportunity.
• Applicants must comply with all administrative requirements of the Horizon Europe Programme.