CBRN decontamination systems and technologies

EDF-2026-RA is a European Defence Fund research action call to develop CBRN decontamination systems and technologies, with emphasis on nanosorbents, robotic and autonomous systems and risk-based decision support for military decontamination. The topic has an indicative budget of €15,000,000, funds research actions at 100% of eligible actual costs, requires multi-beneficiary consortia established in EU Member States or EDF-associated countries (Norway), and uses a single-stage submission with deadline 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Eligible activities include knowledge generation, studies and design up to TRL 5 with preliminary operational assessment toward TRL 6, equipment costs reimbursed on a depreciation basis, and projects may involve classified information requiring security clearances if applicable.

CBRN decontamination systems and technologies

Opportunity overview

Key facts

Topic EDF-2026-RA (EDF Research Actions). Seeks research and design of nanosorbent-based CBRN decontamination solutions for post-mission and large-equipment clearance decontamination, including portable backpack and larger mobile application concepts, decision-support tools and testing under lab and living-lab conditions.

What it funds:Research activities (knowledge generation, studies and design up to TRL5/TRL6 proof-of‑concepts), validation in representative environments, development of decision-support tools and assessment of health/environmental risks; FSTP allowed within ceiling. ¹

Who can apply:Consortia of legal entities established in eligible EDF countries (EU Member States and associated country rules apply). Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic; beneficiaries and affiliated entities must meet EDF eligibility, security and financial capacity requirements (SMEs, research organisations and industry welcome).

1. 1Indicative topic budget: €15,000,000 under the EDF-2026-RA call (several proposals may be funded).
2. 2Funding rate: Research Actions reimbursed at 100% of eligible costs.
3. 3Deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time (single-stage call).
4. 4Type of grant: EDF Research Actions (budget-based, actual cost grants); specific security, FSC/PSC and equipment reimbursement rules apply.

Proposers must consult the call document, templates and security guidance available on the Funding & Tenders Portal before preparing proposals; specific admissibility and consortium composition rules apply and equipment costs are generally reimbursed via depreciation for this topic. ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Full topic text, conditions and annexes are on the Funding & Tenders Portal: EDF topic page.

CBRN decontamination systems and technologies (EDF-2026-RA-MCBRN-DST)

Programme: European Defence Fund (EDF) — Research actions implemented via actual cost grants (EDF-2026-RA). Type of action: EDF-RA (Research Actions). Type of MGA: EDF Action Grant Budget-Based [EDF-AG]. Opening date: 11 February 2026. Deadline: 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Deadline model: single-stage. Topic status: Open for submission. Topic page: EDF-2026-RA-MCBRN-DST. Call fiche: EDF-2026-RA Call Document (v1.0, 11.02.2026).

Opportunity Overview and Scope

This EDF Research Action targets next-generation CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) decontamination systems and technologies to improve force protection, operational mobility, and resilience. The topic focuses on new materials, processes, and decision-support solutions that make decontamination simpler, safer, more reliable, less water-intensive, and logistically lighter, while enabling continued operations in contaminated environments.

• Core focus: development of nanosorbents capable of effectively absorbing CBRN agents even in the presence of water, applicable via portable backpack devices and larger mobile devices.
• Automation and robotics: application of automated and semi-automated decontamination systems, integration of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS), and UxV payloads to reduce exposure and increase throughput.
• Decision support: a decision support tool integrated as a functional service within existing CBRN knowledge management systems (KMS), with expert and layperson modes, accounting for weather, technical, and logistical factors.
• Standards and clearance decontamination: alignment with nationally established standards and guidelines, including scenarios involving non-EU transit and return to country of origin/final destination.
• Dual-use and health/environment: consideration of dual-use potential (e.g., epidemic/pandemic response), assessment of human/animal health risks and environmental impacts of nanosorbents.
• Operational validation: laboratory and living-lab validation up to TRL 5, with preliminary assessment of operational environment use up to TRL 6.

Objectives, Activities, TRLs, and Functional Requirements

Mandatory activities and TRL expectations

• Generating knowledge: real-time pre- and post-decontamination assessment methods to quantify efficacy and residual risk; automated and semi-automated systems aligned with applicable standards; self-decontaminating surface technologies for operational decontamination.
• Studies: feasibility studies versus current systems covering cost, scalability, logistics footprint, throughput, detectability, and operational implementation; requirements to integrate proposed MDPs into existing systems and UxV payloads; market analysis; factors and scenario-based decision trees for the decision support tool; logistics and supply-chain analysis.
• Design: develop efficient, scalable mission-dependent decontamination procedures (MDPs) for operational and thorough decontamination (including RAS); residual risk assessment per agent and environment with validation steps TRL4 lab validation, TRL5 lab and living-lab evaluation, preliminary TRL6 operational assessment; capability requirements for operational and thorough decontamination; design of decision support tool as a functional KMS service; design of technology demonstrator per specifications.

Additionally encouraged tasks

• Generating knowledge: improvised, easy-to-use solutions for operational decontamination; remote decontamination at front line; waste management measures minimizing harm to personnel and the environment.
• Studies: UxV delivery compatibility for different agents; concepts for high-throughput automated systems (collaborative robotics, advanced spraying), contour recognition for diverse geometries, and trials with live CWAs and TICs.
• Design: self-decontaminating coatings and materials for PPE and other equipment aligned with timeframes and efficacy for operational use.

Optional integration and environmental tasks

• Integrating knowledge: UxV-based integrated CBRN DIM (detection, identification, monitoring) for decontamination assessment; self-decontamination technologies for infrastructure.
• Studies: environmental impact of various methods under different operational conditions.
• Design: modular decontamination systems adaptable to different UxV platforms.

Functional requirements

• Effectiveness against CBRN agents per recognized standards for operational and thorough decontamination.
• Operation in all climate zones, including extreme conditions and non-permissive environments; suitability for large-scale combat and remote operations.
• Decision support tool delivering expert and non-specialist modes on time-need trade-offs for MDPs.
• Interlocking MDPs balancing deployment speed, throughput, thoroughness, operator exposure, detectability, and logistics.
• Prioritization/triage according to contamination and process control at least for thorough decontamination.
• Features: self-decontaminating PPE/equipment surfaces; automation minimizing human resource needs; UxV platforms for decontamination and assistance.
• Modularity to restore operational tempo under CBRN conditions.

Expected impacts

• Reduced risk and impact of CBRN attacks through deterrence and preparedness.
• Enhanced resilience and response capabilities of EU forces; strengthened interoperability across EU Member States and EDF-associated countries.
• Dual-use benefits for civilian resilience to CBRN events; improved interoperability between military and civilian services.
• Improved security of supply for critical decontamination technologies and reduced strategic dependencies.
• Influence on clearance decontamination management, including in NATO operations.

STEP alignment:Contributes to STEP objectives in the target investment area of defence technologies.

Budget, Funding Rate, Timeline, and Awards

Eligible Applicant Types

Eligible beneficiaries are legal entities (public or private bodies) established in an EU Member State or in an EDF-associated country (currently Norway), with their executive management structure in those countries. Typical eligible types include SMEs, startups, mid-caps, large enterprises, universities and higher education institutions, research and technology organisations (RTOs), public research institutes, nonprofit organisations, and public bodies. Ministries of Defence and armed forces/end-users may participate (usually as non-funded associated partners or beneficiaries if they meet legal criteria). Individuals are not eligible as beneficiaries. Subcontractors and affiliated entities may participate under EDF rules. Associated partners from non-eligible countries may exceptionally participate without EDF funding under stringent conditions agreed by the granting authority (e.g., ensuring no foreign control over results, no unauthorized access to classified information, and safeguarding EU security and defence interests).

Funding Type

Grant (EDF Action Grant, budget-based). Reimbursement of actual eligible costs; indirect costs via 25% flat rate or actual indirects if approved methodology and national authority confirmation are provided. Business coaching is available to successful SME beneficiaries via EDF; Financial Support to Third Parties (cascade funding) is allowed within the ceiling set by the call and MGA (typically up to €60,000 per recipient unless otherwise authorised).

Consortium Requirement

Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory. Specific consortium composition conditions apply under Section 6 of the call document. Under standard EDF eligibility, this typically entails a minimum of three eligible legal entities established in at least three different EU Member States or EDF-associated countries (Norway), with additional ownership/control and security requirements. Applicants must consult Section 6 of the call document for precise composition and any topic-specific conditions.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility)

Beneficiaries and affiliated entities must be established in EU Member States or in EDF-associated countries (currently Norway) and have their executive management structure within those countries. Non-associated third-country controlled entities may exceptionally participate under Article 9(4) of the EDF Regulation if national guarantees are approved; otherwise they are generally ineligible as beneficiaries. Subcontracting and use of infrastructure must comply with location rules; equipment purchases from outside the EU/Norway are eligible only if used on the territory of eligible countries throughout the action. Entities from non-associated third countries may participate as associated partners without EDF funding under strict conditions and granting authority approval.

Target Sector

• Defence (CBRN defence and decontamination)
• Materials and coatings (nanosorbents, self-decontaminating surfaces)
• Robotics and autonomous systems (UxV payloads, collaborative robotics)
• Sensors and decision support (CBRN KMS integration, DIM systems)
• Environmental health and safety (waste management, toxicity, environmental impact)
• Dual-use emergency response (epidemics/pandemics, civil protection)

Mentioned Countries

• Norway (EDF-associated country)
• United Kingdom (referenced in EDF FAQ regarding non-eligibility under current EDF rules)
• Ukraine (entities cannot be beneficiaries under EDF; may be associated partners under strict conditions)
• Non-EU countries referenced in the context of clearance decontamination transit

Project Stage (Maturity/TRL Expectations)

• Proof-of-concept: TRL 3 for core solutions.
• Laboratory validation: TRL 4 with internationally accepted standards.
• Controlled lab and living-lab validation: TRL 5.
• Preliminary operational environment assessment: towards TRL 6.
• No system prototyping, testing, qualification, or certification funding under this RA topic.

Application Type and Process

• Open call via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Single-stage submission and evaluation.
• Part A completed online; Part B and annexes uploaded as a single password-protected ZIP (AES-256) as per call document.
• Standard EDF forms apply: Standard Application Form (EDF), Detailed Budget Table (EDF RA), Participant Information, List of infrastructure/facilities/assets/resources, Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (if applicable), Ownership control declaration and guarantee (as applicable), PRS declaration (if applicable), Model Grant Agreement.
• Security and ethics self-assessments are required within Part A, and security arrangements may apply.

Nature of Support

Financial support: money (action grants reimbursing eligible costs at 100% for RAs). Non-financial: business coaching for successful SME beneficiaries under EDF.

Application Stages

Single-stage (one-step submission and evaluation).

Success Rates

Not specified for this topic. Applicants should expect competitive selection following the EDF evaluation and award criteria, scoring and thresholds as set out in Section 9 of the call document.

Co-funding Requirement

No co-funding is required for eligible costs under EDF Research Actions (funding rate 100%). Note: beneficiaries may choose actual indirect cost methodology subject to national authority confirmation. Subcontracting should generally be less than 30% of total costs per beneficiary unless topic-specific rules apply; core tasks cannot be subcontracted and work package leadership cannot be assigned to subcontractors or associated partners.

Technology and Science Details (from Topic Text)

• Nanosorbents: solid sorbents including nano-engineered materials with low toxicity, non-corrosiveness, effective in wet conditions.
• Neutralisation approaches: catalysts, UV radiation; selection must ensure efficacy without damaging equipment.
• Self-decontaminating materials: coatings/surfaces enabling operational decontamination of PPE and equipment.
• Automation and UxV integration: intelligent collaborative robotics, advanced spraying systems, contour recognition for complex geometries; UxV-based DIM for assessment.
• Decision-support: bi-modal (expert/layperson) tool integrated with CBRN KMS, scenario-based decision trees, triage and risk acceptance logic.
• Validation standards: internationally accepted standards for CBRN agent testing, including CWAs and TICs under controlled conditions.
• Health/environment: toxicity, animal/human health risk assessment, waste management, environmental impact analyses.

Legal, Security, and Financial Set-up Highlights

• Eligible countries and ownership/control: Section 6 of the call document; entities must be established in EU/NO and executive management located there; non-EU/NO control requires guarantees approved by Member State (Art. 9(4) EDF Regulation).
• Equipment costs: depreciation-only eligibility for equipment under this topic (see Section 10; equipment full-cost exceptions do not apply here).
• FSTP (cascade funding): allowed within the ceiling (typically up to €60,000 per recipient unless otherwise authorised).
• Security: specific PSI and classification rules may apply; if classified information is handled, facility and personnel clearances may be required; dissemination subject to security scrutiny and approval.
• IPR: project results belong to the consortium; detailed ownership/use to be agreed in the consortium agreement.
• Liability regime for recoveries: limited joint liability among beneficiaries as per MGA data sheet.

Evaluation and Award Criteria (summary)

Submission, evaluation, award criteria, scoring and thresholds are defined in the call document (Sections 8 and 9). Priority order for equal scores, security scrutiny, and grant preparation procedures apply. Applicants must adhere to admissibility (page limits and layout) and eligibility (countries, consortium, activities) conditions. Business coaching for SMEs may be offered after selection.

Templates and Application Structure (Guidance)

Applicants must use the EDF application templates available in the Submission System. Below is an outline to support preparation:

1. 1Part A (online forms): General information; Participants; Budget; Ethics and Security tables; Declarations.
2. 2Part B (upload as single password-protected ZIP):
3. 3Cover page and Project Summary.
4. 4Section 1: Excellence and Potential of Disruption — concept; objectives/scope/functional requirements/expected impact; advantage and disruption potential.
5. 5Section 2: Innovation and Technological Development — innovation potential; complementarity with prior/ongoing R&D; spin-offs.
6. 6Section 3: Competitiveness — competitive advantage; growth acceleration; IPR strategy.
7. 7Section 4: EDTIB Autonomy — non-dependency; security of supply; links to EU capability priorities.
8. 8Section 5: Cross-border Cooperation — new and planned cooperation; SME and mid-cap contributions.
9. 9Section 6: Lifecycle Efficiency (n/a for RAs).
10. 10Section 7: Member State Cooperation (n/a for RAs).
11. 11Section 8: Implementation — work plan and WPs; resources and timing; consortium setup and management; quality assurance; cost-effectiveness and financial management; risk management; communication/dissemination/visibility.
12. 12Section 9: Ethics.
13. 13Section 10: Declarations — bonuses (SME/mid-cap, PESCO where applicable), PRS, international law, lethal autonomous weapons, background/result restrictions, double funding, FSTP ceilings.
14. 14Annexes: Detailed budget table; Participant Information; List of infrastructure/facilities/assets/resources (with locations and FSC where applicable); Actual indirect cost methodology declaration (if claiming actual indirects); Ownership control declaration and guarantee (if relevant); PRS declaration (if relevant).

Consortium and Partnering Notes

• Work package leadership cannot be assigned to subcontractors or associated partners; core tasks cannot be subcontracted.
• SMEs and mid-caps are encouraged; cross-border cooperation is an EDF priority.
• Partner search announcements can be posted via the Portal; National Focal Points can assist in partner finding.
• A consortium agreement is obligatory and should cover internal organization, access rights, IPR, and decision-making.

Administrative Conditions and Practicalities

• Admissibility: page limits and layout are defined in the call document; Part B formatting rules apply (e.g., Arial 9 pt, A4, margins).
• Submission format: Part B and annexes must be uploaded as a single password-protected ZIP archive using AES-256 encryption as instructed in the call document.
• Eligible activities under Art. 10(3) EDF Regulation for this topic: Generating knowledge (mandatory); Studies (mandatory); Design (mandatory). System prototyping, testing, qualification, certification, and lifecycle efficiency activities are ineligible under this RA topic.
• Equipment costs are eligible by depreciation only; renting/leasing must not exceed equivalent depreciation and exclude financing fees.
• Ethics and Security: complete ethics self-assessment; if classified information is involved, follow PSI/MGA rules for clearances, handling, and dissemination.

What This Opportunity Is About (Summary)

EDF-2026-RA funds collaborative research and design of advanced CBRN decontamination systems and technologies, centered on nanosorbents, automation, and robust decision support. Projects should deliver proof-of-concept through TRL 3, validate efficacy up to TRL 5 under lab and living-lab conditions with internationally accepted standards, and preliminarily assess operational use towards TRL 6. Proposals must integrate risk-based decontamination planning, triage, and process control; leverage UxV payloads and collaborative robotics for high-throughput, low-exposure operations; and explore self-decontaminating materials and dual-use benefits for civil emergencies. The programme aims to reduce logistics footprints, environmental impacts, and operator exposure while increasing interoperability across EU and associated countries, strengthening security of supply, and reducing strategic dependencies. Funding is provided as 100% grants under EDF Research Actions, with multi-beneficiary consortia required, eligibility restricted to EU Member States and Norway, and security/ownership controls applied. Applications are submitted through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using standard EDF templates, with a single-stage deadline on 29 September 2026.

Footnotes

1. 1See call fiche Sections 2 and 3 for funding rate and budget: EDF-2026-RA Call Document.

CBRN Decontamination Systems and Technologies (EDF-2026-RA-MCBRN-DST)

Funding Opportunity Overview

This is a research action call under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2026 Work Programme designed to develop innovative solutions for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) decontamination systems and technologies. The call focuses on improving military decontamination processes through robotic and autonomous systems, risk-based decision support tools, and scalable decentralised approaches that can maintain operational tempo while ensuring personnel, equipment, and infrastructure safety ¹.

Call Identification and Timeline

Call Reference:EDF-2026-RA

Opening Date:11 February 2026

Submission Deadline:29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time

Type of Action:Research actions (RA) implemented via actual cost grants

Funding Programme:European Defence Fund (EDF)

Funding Available

Total Indicative Budget for Topic:€15,000,000 allocated specifically under the EDF-2026-RA call for this topic ²

Overall Call Budget:€110,000,000 across seven call topics in the EDF-2026-RA research actions call

Funding Rate:100% of eligible actual costs

Number of Proposals to be Funded:While one proposal may be funded, depending on quality of submissions and available budget, more than one proposal may ultimately be funded for this topic ³

Eligibility and Consortium Requirements

Eligible Participants

Participants must be established in EU Member States or EDF associated countries (currently only Norway). Any eligible consortium as defined in Articles 9 and 10(4) of the EDF Regulation can apply. Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory for this topic ². Entities must have their executive management structure located in an eligible country.

Beneficiaries, affiliated entities, and subcontractors must be EU or associated country-based. Non-EU participants can participate under specific conditions with guarantees approved by Member States. Associated partners from non-eligible countries may participate without funding under certain conditions.

Consortium Composition Conditions

Specific conditions apply regarding consortium composition for this topic. A minimum of three Member States or associated countries must participate, or at least two entities from two different Member States/associated countries for non-thematic calls. Each beneficiary must have appropriate resources and technical capacity to implement their part of the action.

Project Scope and Objectives

General Objective

The action aims to address current military decontamination processes that are largely manual, time-consuming, and centralised. These processes can create vulnerabilities by concentrating military assets in high-risk areas. The initiative seeks to develop new approaches to operational and thorough military decontamination processes (MDPs) that minimise the impact of CBRN incidents on military missions while maintaining force protection and operational tempo ¹.

Specific Objectives

• Improve military decontamination processes through robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) integration
• Develop risk-based decision support tools for CBRN advisors considering weather, technical and logistical parameters
• Create decentralised, scalable decontamination methods enabling on-site operations without asset concentration
• Develop nanosorbent-based portable and mobile technologies capable of absorbing CBRN agents even in presence of water
• Ensure solutions work across all climate zones and operational environments
• Support both personnel and large-scale equipment decontamination including vehicles
• Enable continued military operations under CBRN conditions
• Facilitate clearance decontamination for safe transport and disposal of contaminated materiel

Key Technologies and Approaches

Proposals should investigate innovative decontamination methods and technologies including catalysts, UV radiation, and solid sorbents with nanosorbents. Solutions must demonstrate effectiveness against chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, biothreat agents, and radioactive substances in line with internationally accepted standards. Self-decontaminating materials for personal protective equipment and equipment surfaces are also within scope ¹.

Types of Eligible Activities

This research action call supports generating knowledge, studies, and design activities as mandatory components. The following types of activities are eligible under EDF Article 10(3) ²:

• Generating knowledge: Research on effectiveness of innovative military decontamination processes and technologies against CBRN agents; investigation of real-time pre- and post-decontamination assessment methods; research on self-decontaminating surfaces
• Studies: Feasibility studies comparing proposed approaches to existing systems; market analysis; requirements analysis for integrating into existing CBRN systems; logistic footprint assessment; decision support tool requirements analysis
• Design: Development of new efficient scalable military decontamination processes; design of decision support tools as functional service; design of automated decontamination solutions for personnel and equipment including vehicles; design of modular decontamination systems for unmanned vehicles

Not eligible activities include system prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification. These activities are reserved for development action calls. Projects must reach at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 for proof-of-concept with progression to TRL 5-6 for laboratory validation and operational assessment.

Mandatory and Recommended Scope Elements

Mandatory Activities

• Research on effectiveness of innovative military decontamination processes and technologies against CBRN agents according to internationally accepted standards
• Validation under controlled lab and living lab conditions (TRL5)
• Development and design of decision support tools as functional service for existing CBRN knowledge management systems
• Feasibility studies of proposed approaches compared to existing systems including cost analysis, scalability assessment, logistic footprint and supply chain analysis
• Laboratory validation of decontamination effectiveness in line with international standards (TRL4)
• Development of new efficient scalable military decontamination processes responding to operational needs
• Preliminary assessment of use in operational environment (TRL6)
• Determination of decontamination parameters including exposure time and concentration accounting for temperature and humidity
• Assessment of residual risks depending on CBRN agent and environment

Recommended Activities

• Analysis of interactions between decontamination methods, agents, personnel, equipment and surfaces
• Assessment of dual-use potential for civilian scenarios
• Development and testing of unmanned vehicle payload capabilities
• Assessment of human and animal health risks and environmental impacts
• Design of surfaces and coatings enabling self-decontamination for operational use
• Evaluation of UxV systems for operational decontamination including robotic systems
• Integrated CBRN detection identification and monitoring UxV-based systems development

Functional Requirements for Proposed Solutions

• Demonstrate effectiveness against CBRN agents in line with standards for operational and thorough decontamination
• Provide operational capability in all climate zones including extreme temperatures and non-permissive environments
• Be usable in various operational scenarios including large scale combat operations and remote military operations
• Provide decision support tool functionality for time consumption versus endurance gain assessment
• Enable prioritisation and triage according to contamination levels
• Feature self-decontaminating surfaces for personal protective equipment and other equipment
• Include automation to minimise human resource requirements
• Provide unmanned vehicle platforms for decontamination delivery
• Offer modular solutions adaptable to different operational needs
• Support clearance decontamination conforming to nationally established standards for safe transport

Expected Impact and Outcomes

Projects should contribute to multiple strategic and operational outcomes ¹:

• Reduce risk and impact of CBRN attacks through enhanced deterrence and preparedness
• Boost resilience of European forces and capability to respond to CBRN agents
• Strengthen interoperability of CBRN defence systems across EU Member States and EDF associated countries
• Strengthen resilience of European civil society against CBRN events through dual-use potential
• Improve security of supply for critical decontamination technologies
• Simplify decontamination processes and reduce logistical burdens
• Extend equipment lifespan and reduce environmental impacts
• Reduce or prevent strategic dependencies of the Union
• Demonstrate EU-funded research impact in defence applications

Budget Categories and Cost Eligibility

Eligible costs fall under standard EDF budget categories. Personnel costs, subcontracting, equipment purchases, and other goods and services directly linked to action implementation are eligible. Equipment costs are reimbursed on depreciation only basis, not full cost. Indirect costs may be declared at a flat rate of 25% of eligible direct costs or as actual costs according to usual accounting practices accepted by national authorities for comparable defence activities ².

Equipment Reimbursement:Depreciation only

Financial Support to Third Parties:Allowed but only within set ceiling

Subcontracting:Limited to maximum percentage of total eligible costs; additional subcontracting may require formal amendment

Specific Topic Conditions

• Multi-beneficiary applications are mandatory with specific consortium composition requirements
• Equipment costs must be declared as depreciation only
• Financial support to third parties is allowed within specified ceiling
• Proposals must comply with STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) objectives in defence technologies investment area
• Actions must address at least tactical, operational and strategic level decontamination approaches
• Projects should demonstrate synergies and complementarities with other EDF activities including EDF-2023-DA-MCBRN-FCS on Federating CBRN systems and EDF-2025-RA-MCBRN-ATE on Autonomous triage and evacuation

Security and Classified Information Considerations

This call may involve classified information at the level of RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED or potentially higher levels. Beneficiaries must comply with security requirements set out in the EDF Programme Security Instruction (PSI). Facility Security Clearances may be required for beneficiaries handling classified information at higher levels. Personnel Security Clearances are required for personnel accessing classified information at CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET UE/EU SECRET levels.

All communication and dissemination activities are subject to specific security considerations and must be approved by the granting authority prior to undertaking. Member States whose territories host beneficiaries will decide on originatorship of classified foreground information generated during implementation ².

Application Process and Key Deadlines

Applications must be submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal in the submission system. Single-stage evaluation is used for this call. The submission session opened on 12 February 2026 with the deadline on 29 September 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time ². Applicants must submit Part A (administrative information) directly in the Portal and Part B (technical description) as a single password-protected zip file containing all annexes.

Mandatory Consortium Agreement and Documentation

A written consortium agreement between beneficiaries is required as specified in the call document. This agreement should cover internal organisation, management of Portal access, distribution keys for payments, rules on background and results, settlement of disputes, and liability arrangements. All participants must maintain detailed records supporting costs and project implementation for at least five years after final payment ².

Grant Agreement and Payment Terms

Type of Grant Agreement:EDF Action Grant Budget-Based (EDF-AG)

Reporting Schedule:Continuous reporting via Portal tool; periodic reports at intervals specified in Data Sheet with final reporting 60 days after project end

Payment Structure:Initial prefinancing followed by interim payments and final payment upon completion; interim payment ceiling typically at 90% of maximum grant amount

Financial Statement Requirements:Certificates on Financial Statements required if beneficiary's requested EU contribution reaches or exceeds €325,000 threshold

Coordination with Related Activities

Proposals should demonstrate how they harness synergies and complementarities with other EDF activities, in particular EDF-2023-DA-MCBRN-FCS on Federating CBRN Systems and EDF-2025-RA-MCBRN-ATE on Autonomous Triage and Evacuation. Applicants should consider how their proposed solutions integrate with these related defence capability initiatives ¹.

Applicant Support and Guidance

Multiple resources are available to support applicants including the Funding and Tenders Portal Online Manual, EU Grants Annotated Grant Agreement, detailed budget tables and templates. The EDF Programme Committee and National Focal Points designated by Member States can provide guidance on participation. Topic-specific frequently asked questions are available on the Portal to address common applicant queries.

Key Dates Summary

Strategic Context

This call contributes to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) objectives in the defence technologies investment area. It addresses identified defence capability priorities commonly agreed by EU Member States within the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) framework, particularly regarding CBRN defence readiness and interoperability. The initiative supports EU strategic autonomy and reduces dependencies on non-European suppliers by developing indigenous European CBRN decontamination solutions ¹.

Practical Considerations for Applicants

• Register participants in the Participant Register and maintain up-to-date information throughout application and implementation
• Ensure all consortium members understand their roles and responsibilities before submission
• Prepare detailed project descriptions addressing all mandatory and recommended scope elements
• Calculate realistic budgets accounting for personnel costs at daily rates not exceeding 215 days per person per year
• Obtain facility security clearances if classified information above RESTREINT level is required
• Submit application as single password-protected zip file with proper formatting per call specifications
• Plan for security scrutiny and classification review of project outputs if applicable
• Document all agreements and arrangements within consortium agreement
• Prepare for potential evaluation feedback and grant agreement preparation discussions

Footnotes

1. 1Source: EDF 2026 Call Topic Descriptions document and call document sections 2.1.1 detailing objectives, scope, and expected impact of EDF-2026-RA topic
2. 2Source: EDF Work Programme 2026 official documents and Funding and Tenders Portal specifications for EDF-2026-RA call
3. 3Source: Call document section 2.1.1 stating number of actions to be funded varies depending on quality of proposals and available budget