Standardisation supporting digital investigations and lawful access to data

Quel est l’objet de cet appel ?

The topic funds standardisation activities, training, studies and awareness-raising that help law enforcement and judicial authorities take part in setting standards for digital investigations. The main beneficiaries are law enforcement and judicial authorities, and the project should deliver concrete standards.

Que finance cet appel ?

This topic, part of an Internal Security Fund call on digital investigations and standardisation, supports projects that strengthen the role of security practitioners in standard-setting, so that law enforcement and judicial authorities can request and process digital evidence efficiently with interoperable solutions that comply with EU rules.

Objectives

• Build the capacity and expertise of law enforcement and judicial authorities for lawful access to data.
• Contribute to the implementation of EU law.
• Foster cross-border cooperation between authorities and private entities on standardised data formats and communication protocols for digital evidence.

Scope

• Analysis of the areas where standardisation for security is needed.
• Standardisation activities in identified areas, notably 6G and internet-based communication, digital forensics, vehicle forensics and artificial intelligence.
• Raising awareness of, and supporting, the participation of security practitioners in standardisation processes, including pooling resources across Member States.
• Designing, delivering and providing access to training for practitioners taking part in standardisation, where relevant together with the European Cybercrime Training and Education Group.
• Studies and advice, reflection on sustainable mechanisms for an EU approach, and identification of areas where EU legislative initiatives would benefit from further standardisation.

Expected outcomes

Projects should aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes: a stronger contribution of security practitioners to standardisation, greater awareness and synergies among stakeholders, and a sustainable EU approach to standardisation for digital investigations. The project is expected to lead to concrete standards supporting law enforcement and the judiciary. Proposals are invited to draw on expertise from national authorities, academia, technology providers and national standardisation bodies.

Costs

The grant is a budget-based mixed actual cost grant. Indirect costs are covered by a flat rate of 7% of eligible direct costs, and financial support to third parties is not allowed.

Quelle est la date limite ?

15 décembre 2026 (40 jours)

15 December 2026, 17:00 CET (Brussels time). Single submission; evaluation follows a two-step procedure, with pre-selection on relevance first.