Deadline Date: November 5, 2026
The European Commission is seeking grnat applications to support research and innovation aimed at strengthening law enforcement capabilities to respond to emerging security threats and criminal activities linked to climate change.
The focus areas include countering climate-related criminal activities, improving law enforcement skills and technologies, understanding policy implications of climate change on security systems, analysing social dynamics affected by climate change, environmental and organised crime, migration-related risks, and the role of emerging technologies in criminal networks.
Funding available for this topic is €8,000,000, with individual project contributions expected to be around €4,000,000.
The topic addresses the growing security challenges posed by global climate change, which is expected to significantly impact societies over the coming decade. Climate change is identified as a driver of new criminal opportunities and evolving threats, requiring enhanced preparedness from law enforcement agencies across Europe.
The initiative highlights risks such as environmental crimes including illegal mining, deforestation, waste management violations, and exploitation of natural resources. It also includes wildlife trafficking, fraud and financial crimes such as greenwashing and carbon credit fraud, as well as crimes linked to climate-related disasters including land grabbing, water theft, and post-disaster looting. Additionally, it recognises increased risks of human trafficking, exploitation, migration pressures, and social instability linked to climate-induced displacement.
The programme emphasises the need for new analytical approaches to understand how climate change interacts with criminal activity and social dynamics. It supports the development of specialised skills, technologies, forensic tools, and training for law enforcement to respond effectively to these emerging threats.
Participation requires the involvement of Police Authorities in Europe, with encouragement for cooperation from civil security services, border guards, and customs authorities where relevant. A balanced approach integrating technological and societal perspectives is required, along with collaboration with institutions such as Europol and CEPOL to ensure validation and training alignment.
The topic also requires the integration of Social Sciences and Humanities expertise to strengthen research quality and societal impact, including consideration of gender-specific vulnerabilities and needs where relevant.
Any legal entity may participate, including those from non-associated third countries or international organisations, provided that Horizon Europe eligibility conditions are met.
For more information, visit European Commission.
