Open topic on preventing and countering the misuse of emerging technologies for criminal purposes, including issues related to lawful access to data

¿De qué trata esta convocatoria?

This open topic funds tools, training and frameworks that help police counter criminal misuse of new and emerging technologies and secure lawful access to data. Projects are expected to reach technology readiness level 5.

¿Qué financia esta convocatoria?

Scope

New and emerging technologies, such as new communication technologies, quantum technologies, new biometrics and identification technologies, cloud computing and generative AI, bring benefits but also new challenges for police and the judiciary. Police need to tackle these developments, and lawful access to data should keep pace with them, while respecting legislation and fundamental rights such as personal data protection and privacy. As an open topic, it welcomes proposals on technologies not covered by projects under earlier Horizon Europe Fighting Crime and Terrorism calls or the current 2026-2027 call.

What proposals should do

Proposals should emphasise adaptive methods and frameworks that can evolve as threats change, empowering police to act effectively within legal standards on data access. In a balanced way they should: first, develop modern tools, methods and training material for police to deal with criminal misuse of the technologies; and second, address lawful access to data in that context. The gender and intersectional dimension is not a mandatory requirement. Proposals that concern issues within the mandate of Europol are expected to engage with the Europol Innovation Lab, including to validate outcomes, and those concerning drug-related issues with the EU Drugs Agency. Cooperation with CEPOL on police training is expected, provided the agency opts out of applying for funding. Successful proposals should coordinate to avoid duplication and address the applicable considerations in the introduction to the Fighting Crime and Terrorism destination. Activities are expected to reach technology readiness level 5 by the end of the project.

Expected outcomes

All of the following: police equipped with modern, accessible and validated tools, methods and training curricula to anticipate and cope with criminal misuse of new technologies, supporting prevention, detection, efficient data access and investigation lawfully and with full respect for fundamental rights; stronger interdisciplinary collaboration through partnerships among technologists, policymakers and police, with shared best practice; and clear guidelines and frameworks, including procedures and rules, that ensure lawful access to data, balance security with privacy and foster a European approach for police and the judiciary.

¿Cuándo termina el plazo?

5 de noviembre de 2026

5 November 2026.