External Borders: studies, works or mixed

Expected Outcome: This topic is the first phase of a two-phase competitive structure supported by Horizon Europe, implemented via a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) in close collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Phase 1 (this topic): A CSA focused on readiness-analysis in terms of exploitation and investments, benchmarking the commercial viability of quantum enabled navigation systems. The aim is to deliver concrete outputs that improve the conditions for use of the supported projects through credible technical, industrialisation and financial roadmaps, validated against investor requirements (e.g. EIB, InvestEU). Activities also include analyses of investor-readiness and supply-chain sovereignty. Phase 2: For further information, see the indirectly managed action “HORIZON-CL4 Quantum Top-Up to InvestEU: Grand Challenge Phase 2” in the Cluster 4 part of the Horizon Europe 2026/2027 Work Programme. This CSA is designed to allow the best possible application in Phase 2 and the current CSA results may therefore inform applications by beneficiaries to investment support managed by the EIB under InvestEU (separate procedures). Under Phase 1 projects are expected…

Expected Impact: The project will explore the feasibility of a roadmap based on the assessment of the situation around the preservation of born-digital heritage, the mapping of legal and non-legal frameworks and the adoption of good practices that would help further born-digital heritage preservation. It will provide information regarding challenges and barriers related to existing legal and non-legal frameworks, such as copyright, digital storage, licencing, etc., and practical solutions to contribute to wider born-digital heritage preservation. Overall, the project should contribute to stakeholders and interested parties’ understanding of the legal and policy situation and practices related to the preservation of and access to born-digital heritage, and present possible ways forward to facilitate the preservation of and access to born-digital heritage by: delivering a clear assessment of the share and types of born-digital cultural heritage being preserved in the EU, and of what should be preserved from the perspectives of different fields and in the context of possible (re)use of the preserved digital assets; providing a mapping of national, European and international legal,…

Objective: The objective of this call is to develop dual-use transport infrastructure on the TEN-T and the military mobility networks. Scope: In accordance with Article 9(2), point (c), and Article 12 of the CEF Regulation, support will be provided to dual-use projects, works and/or studies, addressing both civilian and defence needs. As provided in Article 12(1) of the CEF Regulation, dual-use projects must be located on the TEN-T and on the EU military mobility network established by the Council in November 2018, last updated in March 2025 [1]. Priority will be given to projects located on the four EU military mobility priority corridors and projects located in two or more Member States [2]. As provided in Article 12(1), point (c) of the CEF Regulation, such projects are to take into account the infrastructure requirements applicable to certain categories of dual-use infrastructure actions, as set out in Implementing Regulation 2021/1328 [3]. In case a proposal combines studies and works components, these must address different sections / activities. Facilities and infrastructure supported under CEF must be accessible for use by all operators on a non-discriminatory basis. [1]…

Expected Impact: Projects funded under this call are expected to deliver tangible industrial outputs that demonstrably advance the readiness and affordability of future governmental Ka-band user terminals for IRIS2 and GOVSATCOM services. Expected outputs include, for example: qualified production processes, calibrated sub-assemblies, pilot-run units, validated manufacturing equipment chains or manufacturing cost models. Purely analytical deliverables (studies, design reports) are not sufficient as primary outputs but may complement the above. Where relevant, outputs shall include documented design assumptions, interface parameters or process specifications enabling adaptation to different terminal configurations with limited re-engineering, so as to support uptake in follow-on integration, pilot deployment and scale-up activities. Objective: The aim of this call for proposals is to advance the industrial readiness of European Ka-band user terminal technologies, subsystems and manufacturing processes, with a view to enabling cost-effective production of user terminals for services provided under the Union secure connectivity programme (IRIS²) and GOVSATCOM. The target reference…

Expected Outcome: Upon completion of the Action, the European HPC and AI ecosystems will be strengthened through an effective network of AI Factories supporting the adoption and use of HPC in the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) by startups and SMEs, but also by the private and public sector in general, taking into account the specific needs of the local and national ecosystems. The coordinated network will facilitate synergies and assets reutilisation, support, training, staff exchange, knowledge transfer between, AIF+As, as well as prevent duplication of efforts. The Action will ensure the network of AIF+As will be embedded in an enhanced European AI/ HPC ecosystem with strong links to other European HPC, AI, and data initiatives (see above). Moreover, the Action will result in: Contribution to the realisation of the EuroHPC overall and specific objectives. A common governance baseline across AIF+As to ensure the full interoperability and the collective compliance or the network of AIF+As. Seamless user experience across AIF+As, with users receiving a consistent offer of core services. Effective coordination and exchange of best practices and information…

Expected Outcome: The targeted outcomes reflect the above challenges and cover a comprehensive Front End module design which: Covers the FR3 range as defined by the relevant Agenda Item of WRC 27 (7 to 15 GHz range) with possible extension up to 24 GHz if required by some regional implementations, with inherent tuning capabilities to accommodate potential regional variations. Mitigates interferences with incumbent FR3 band users and maximises sharing capabilities across the band in line with the European regulatory approach on spectrum sharing. Enables integration of a large number of antenna elements beyond the State of the Art and support massive MIMO implementation with compensation of increased path loss compared to 5G FR1 implementations. Enables at least an order-of-magnitude increase in RF processing compared to 5G FR1 implementations. Enables 5G cell site reuse and minimises deployment complexity on top of 5G sites deployment. Enables low-cost and low energy implementation of the elementary constituent modules, efficient packaging and is mainly based on the integration of microelectronics heterogeneous technologies where European industry has strong expertise and…