Cluster 3 “Civil Security for Society” responds to the challenges arising from persistent security threats, including cybercrime, as well as natural and human-made disasters. To reach this goal, the European Commission funds research and innovation projects on crisis management, fight against crime and terrorism, external and border security, cybersecurity, privacy and trust.

Cluster 3 Work Programme 2026-2027

The work programme is available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal here.

Impact Areas and Destinations 2026-2027

The work programme  for Cluster 3 has six destinations (key areas) below which contribute to four expected impact areas of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan:

1. Better protect the EU and its citizens against Crime and Terrorism
2. Effective management of EU external borders
3. Resilient Infrastructure
4. Cybersecurity
5. Disaster-Resilient Society for Europe
6. Strengthened Security Research and Innovation

Intervention Areas

Disaster-resilient societies

Protection and Security

Cybersecurity

Indirectly Managed Action by the ECCC

The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), together with the Network of National Coordination Centres (NCCs), is Europe's new framework to support innovation and industrial policy in cybersecurity. The Centre and the Network will make strategic investment decisions and pool resources from the EU, its Member States and, indirectly, the industry to improve and strengthen technology and industrial cybersecurity capacities, enhancing the EU’s open strategic autonomy. The European Commission intends to conclude a contribution agreement with the ECCC for the implementation of Horizon Europe cybersecurity actions not co-funded by Member States.

Mission Areas

Accomplishing missions will require a cross-cutting approach, drawing on research and innovation activities defined not only through individual Clusters, but across Horizon Europe and beyond. Research and innovation activities within this Cluster thus have the potential to support missions in all of the five mission areas:

1. Adaptation to Climate Change: support at least 150 European regions and communities to become climate resilient by 2030
2. Cancer: working with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, cure and solutions to live longer and better
3. Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030
4. 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030
5. A Soil Deal for Europe: 100 living labs and lighthouses to lead the transition towards healthy soils by 2030

The Missions implementation plans form the base for future activities. The plans have been published (Sept 2021) and are available here. The Missions latest Work Programme 2026-2027 is available here.

European Commission Priority Areas 2024-29

The 7 Commission priorities for 2024-29

• Sustainable prosperity and competitiveness
• A new era for European defense and security
• Supporting people and strengthening societies
• Sustaining quality of life
• Protecting democracy and upholding values
• A global Europe
• Delivering together and preparing the Union for the future.