Open topic for improved preparedness for, response to and recovery from large-scale disruptions of critical infrastructures

The main goal of this opportunity is to find new solutions and address emerging challenges to make critical infrastructure more resilient. It aims to improve how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from major disruptions caused by natural disasters, human actions, or cyberattacks. Key focus areas include mapping interdependencies, developing advanced monitoring and risk assessment tools, and enhancing both cyber and physical security. Projects may also work on better post-incident investigations and digital tools for stress testing. The grant targets EU Member States, Associated Countries, and certain non-EU countries meeting specific participation conditions.

• Must involve at least three relevant practitioners from three different EU Member States or Associated Countries.
• Should tackle new or existing challenges in critical infrastructure resilience, focusing on sectors or interdependencies not already covered or building on previous work without duplicating it.
• Must include clear plans for demonstrating, testing, or validating new solutions, with a view to future adoption at larger scales.
• Can allocate up to 30% of EU funding to support third parties, such as SMEs or additional user groups.
• Should use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems if satellite data is involved.
• Must address the gender dimension in research, if relevant.
• Coordination with other funded projects under this topic is required.

Example Projects:

• A project testing a new digital tool that uses satellite data for real-time risk assessment in power grids, involving operators from three EU countries.
• An initiative developing a joint response plan for cyber-physical attacks on water infrastructure, with civil protection authorities and private security companies from different countries.
• Demonstrating a new method for post-incident investigation in transport networks, while collaborating with SMEs to expand the solution's reach.

• Grants to third parties, including SMEs and additional user groups
• Personnel costs for project staff (if covered by Horizon Europe rules)
• Costs for demonstration, testing, and validation activities
• Expenses related to the use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS satellite data
• Development and deployment of digital monitoring and risk assessment tools
• Travel and meeting costs for coordination and validation events
• Costs for engaging practitioners, authorities, and private sector partners
• Expenses for expanding work with new user groups or complementary assessments
• Technology and methodology testing costs

Restrictions: Up to 30% of the EU funding requested may be allocated to financial support for third parties, with a maximum of EUR 200,000 per third party. Applicants should consult the Horizon Europe Programme Guide for detailed eligible expenses.

• Budget for this Call: 15,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 3
• Budget per grant: 5,000,000€

• Applicants must be from EU Member States or Associated Countries. Some non-EU/non-Associated Countries may participate under specific conditions.
• Each proposal must involve at least three relevant practitioners from three different eligible countries.
• Practitioners should include critical infrastructure operators, authorities for resilience, civil protection, law enforcement, or private security companies.
• Applicants must complete the required practitioner information table in the application form.
• If using satellite data, projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems.
• Beneficiaries must provide financial support to third parties, with a maximum of EUR 200,000 per third party.
• Applicants must comply with all general conditions outlined in the Work Programme's annexes.