Europe's Focus on Critical Infrastructure Protection

The Resilient Infrastructure (INFRA) destination within Horizon Europe's Cluster 3 aims to enhance both the physical and digital security of critical entities and their supply chains. Funded projects are required to deliver scalable and interoperable solutions designed to prevent, detect, and manage security incidents, including hybrid threats. Special emphasis is placed on the principles of security-by-design and preparedness-by-design, as well as the EU's strategic autonomy and alignment with the CER and NIS2 European directives.

Key Parameters and Budget

A total budget of €42.34 million has been allocated for the 2026 and 2027 period, with an expectation to fund approximately 9 projects. The financial support will be provided in the form of lump sums.

• 2026 Calls: Budget of €22.67 million (estimated 5 projects). Opening on May 6, 2026, with a deadline of November 5, 2026.
• 2027 Calls: Budget of €19.67 million (estimated 4 projects). Opening on May 5, 2027, with a deadline of November 4, 2027.

Overview of 2026 Calls

1. Tools and processes supporting critical infrastructure stress tests (HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-INFRA-01)

• Action Type: Innovation Action (IA)
• Budget: €9.67 million (approx. €4.835 million per project, 2 projects funded)
• Target Level: TRL 6–7

This call will support the development of tools for both virtual and physical stress testing. Projects can utilize modeling, digital twins, or scenarios that combine cyber and physical attacks. An interesting aspect is the opportunity to collaborate with the Joint Research Centre and use its experimental facilities (Reaction Wall, HopLab) for full-scale testing.

2. Security challenges of the green transition in urban and peri-urban areas (HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-INFRA-02)

• Action Type: Research and Innovation Action (RIA)
• Budget: €4 million (for 1 project)
• Target Level: TRL 5

This topic views the green transition (solar installations, charging stations, energy storage) not only as an environmental opportunity but also as a potential source of new vulnerabilities and security threats. It investigates emerging physical and cyber risks associated with the rapid deployment of these technologies.

3. Targeted innovative capacities for disaster resilience including hybrid scenarios (HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-INFRA-03)

• Action Type: Innovation Action (IA)
• Budget: €9 million (approx. €4.5 million per project, 2 projects funded)
• Target Level: TRL 6–7

The call seeks modular solutions to protect against combined and cascading risks (floods, fires, NaTech disasters). Proposed solutions must demonstrate effective coordination among infrastructure operators, public authorities, and emergency services, ideally at a cross-border level.

Overview of 2027 Calls

1. Enhancing the physical protection of critical infrastructure (HORIZON-CL3-2027-01-INFRA-01)

• Action Type: Innovation Action (IA)
• Budget: €12 million (approx. €6 million per project, 2 projects funded)
• Target Level: TRL 6–7

Focused on modernizing protection against sabotage, IEDs, vehicle ramming attacks, or drone swarms. It also addresses the degradation of infrastructure due to aging or climate change. In addition to sensors and access control, spatial planning and nature-based solutions are expected to be incorporated.

2. The impact of malicious OSINT usage on business continuity (HORIZON-CL3-2027-01-INFRA-02)

• Action Type: Innovation Action (IA)
• Budget: €7.67 million (approx. €3.835 million per project, 2 projects funded)
• Target Level: TRL 8

This topic tackles the misuse of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and its automated processing via AI to uncover vulnerabilities or facilitate social engineering. Projects are expected to develop tools for mapping risky OSINT, and the involvement of the Europol Innovation Lab is anticipated for validating the results.

Common Requirements for Applicants

A strict rule regarding consortium composition applies to all five calls: there must be the involvement of at least three relevant security practitioners or end-users from Member States or Associated Countries (e.g., critical infrastructure operators, civil protection authorities, emergency responders). If a project utilizes satellite data, it is mandatory to work with Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.

How to Prepare and Succeed?

A European project does not begin with the submission of an application, but rather with the early selection of a topic, roles, and partners. Preparation should not be delayed until the call officially opens. Through the enoHub Europe network, we can assist you in finding suitable international partners, building a consortium, evaluating participation conditions, and managing the preparation of a high-quality proposal. A company or institution does not necessarily have to be the coordinator to gain valuable know-how and funding from the project.