Climate security and civil preparedness – new ways to develop pre- and post-crisis climate-change related scenarios for a more resilient Europe

The EU funding opportunity HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-05 is part of the Horizon Europe initiative under the Civil Security for Society call, aimed at developing innovative solutions for climate security and civil preparedness in Europe. The focus is on creating methods, tools, and technologies for forecasting and managing crises related to climate change to enhance resilience. This grant is categorized as a Horizon Innovation Action with a lump sum grant type, and the total budget allocated for this specific topic is 4.5 million euros. The application process is a single-stage, with a submission timeline opening on May 6, 2026, and closing on November 5, 2026.

Eligible applicants include a variety of entities such as research organizations, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, public bodies, and international organizations with headquarters in an EU Member State or Associated Country. Importantly, the participation of at least three authorities responsible for disaster risk management from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries is mandatory.

The projects funded under this grant are expected to focus on the development and validation of advanced tools to address climate security challenges. This includes identifying and assessing cascading and compounding risks due to climate change, enhancing situational awareness, and fostering stakeholder engagement. The projects must emphasize practical applications while leveraging data from European space programs like Copernicus and Galileo.

Key project outcomes should involve establishing indicators for decision-making, understanding the socio-economic impacts of climate-related disasters, and strengthening international cooperation and networks for best practices. The call encourages collaboration across multiple sectors while targeting local and regional contexts for crisis management and climate adaptation efforts.

The broader scope of the initiative aims to tackle the increased frequency and intensity of climate disasters, such as floods and wildfires, that have significant ramifications for communities and ecosystems. Proposals should integrate effective methodologies for both pre-crisis and post-crisis scenarios and should focus on vulnerable populations affected by these crises, ensuring inclusivity.

Eligible costs are structured as a lump sum to streamline funding processes, and there isn't a specific co-funding requirement mentioned, although leveraging external funding sources is suggested. The opportunity appears highly competitive, with the expectation of awarding only one grant, which indicates a concentrated focus on selected innovative proposals that demonstrate substantial impact.

Overall, HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-05 aims to enhance Europe's climate resilience through an effective partnership model, addressing pressing climate security challenges and promoting sustainable practices across Member States.

This EU funding opportunity, HORIZON-CL3-2026-01-DRS-05, falls under the Horizon Europe program, specifically the Civil Security for Society call in 2026. It aims to foster innovation actions to develop new ways to create pre and post-crisis climate change related scenarios for a more resilient Europe. The action type is a HORIZON Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA), utilizing a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] model grant agreement. The call follows a single-stage submission process with a planned opening date of May 6, 2026, and a deadline of November 5, 2026, at 17:00:00 Brussels time. The budget for this specific topic is 4,500,000 EUR, and it is expected that around 1 grant will be awarded.

The expected outcomes of successful projects include: Identification and prioritization of climate security scenarios, assessing cascading and compounding risks across multiple sectors; Development and validation of advanced tools, technologies, and data-driven solutions for climate - and environmental - risk forecasting, crisis management, and adaptation, including risk analytical and assessment tools, weather alerts and forecasts; Development and validation of advanced tools and technologies to assess and monitor climate-induced disasters, also providing risk information on adaptation and risk reduction measures; Strengthened engagement with stakeholders, ensuring end-user involvement in defining requirements, testing, and validation of climate security solutions; Development and validation of new risk-management tools, technologies and data, closer to operational environment. Focus on local and regional risk-management and climate adaptation work should be prioritized; Pre-crisis analysis and post-crisis situational awareness in case of those disasters related to climate change (floods, fires, landslides, heat waves, etc.); Enhanced international cooperation, policy integration, and public awareness to improve climate security resilience and preparedness. Strengthen networks to exchange best practices and support the international dimension of the Preparedness Union Strategy and the Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.

The scope of the projects should address the following: Climate change is a global challenge with profound security implications at the global, regional, and local levels. It exacerbates risks across multiple sectors, including agriculture, biodiversity, health, border security, economy, financial stability, transport, telecommunication and human displacement, leading to severe socio-economic consequences and destabilizing communities. The increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters highlight the urgent need for a holistic, long-term strategy to address climate security, integrating risk assessment, crisis management, and adaptation measures, while also leveraging the expertise of the insurance sector. While climate services based on data analysis have reached a high level of trust among users, their application to civil security remains underdeveloped. Proposals should aim to develop methodologies, tools, and technologies that enhance situational awareness both before a crisis (pre-crisis) and after a crisis (post-crisis), enabling decision-makers and populations to respond effectively. Research should focus on defining priority climate security scenarios in the EU, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing essential indicators for informed decision-making. Efforts should be directed toward understanding and mitigating the impacts of floods, landslides, wildfires, and other climate-induced disasters. This includes developing improved methods and models for risk prevention and reduction, early detection, emergency response tactics, and rescue efforts under extreme conditions. The study of cascading effects and compounding disasters is critical, particularly regarding groups in a vulnerable situation such as older people, people with disabilities, and children. In this view, the proposals should build on the European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) and consolidated national risk assessments as well as find synergies with project’s chosen for the similar EU Mission: Adaptation to Climate Change topic. Both the European Preparedness Union Strategy, the European Water Resilience Strategy and the upcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan act as policy guidance. Diverse climate and environmental security scenarios should be developed, supported by innovative, reliable tools that leverage multiple data sources, enabling a comprehensive and adaptive response. Proposals should also integrate space programme components such as Copernicus and Galileo to improve data accuracy and crisis response capabilities. A strong emphasis on international cooperation should foster knowledge exchange, enhance policy integration, and share best practices. Proposals should support transnational collaboration within the EU, facilitate improved data-sharing mechanisms, and align with global initiatives such as the Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework. Capacity-building efforts to strengthen resilience to climate-related security threats and ensure a coordinated approach to addressing worst-case climate scenarios, as identified in the Niinistö report. Projects may take into account the assets but also particular challenges faced by the European outermost regions and may include entities from these regions in the consortium’s composition. Where applicable, proposals should leverage the data and services available through European Research Infrastructures federated under the European Open Science Cloud, Copernicus, Destination Earth, as well as data from relevant Data Spaces. Particular efforts should be made to ensure that the data produced in the context of this topic is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable). Where relevant, funded projects are encouraged to liaise with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, for complementary real-scale testing at the Reaction Wall and HopLab of the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA).

The general conditions for admissibility include adherence to proposal page limits and layout guidelines as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form. Eligible countries are those described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Other eligibility conditions state that the Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a member of the consortium with zero funding or as an associated partner, but will not be involved in proposal preparation or submission. Relevant international organizations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding. The active involvement of at least 3 authorities in charge of disaster risk from at least 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries is required. Applicants must provide information about these security practitioners in the application form. If projects utilize satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or related timing data and services, they must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are detailed in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. The award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D, while submission and evaluation processes are outlined in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is also described in Annex F.

Regarding the legal and financial setup of the grants, the granting authority may object to a transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results for up to 4 years after the action's end, as specified in Annex 5. Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021.

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and evaluation forms, as well as the model grant agreement (MGA), are available in the Submission System. Various standard application forms are provided for different action types, including HE RIA, IA, CSA, RI, PCP, PPI, COFUND, FPA, MSCA, ERC, and EIC. Standard evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations. Guidance documents include the HE Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements (HE MGA, HE Unit MGA, Lump Sum MGA, Operating Grants MGA, Framework Partnership Agreement FPA), call-specific instructions, a detailed budget table (HE LS), information on financial support to third parties (HE), information on clinical studies (HE), and guidance on lump sums.

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 (General Introduction, MSCA, Research Infrastructures, Health, Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society, Civil Security for Society, Digital, Industry and Space, Climate, Energy and Mobility, Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, European Innovation Ecosystems, Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area, Missions, New European Bauhaus Facility, Horizontal Activities, General Annexes), EIC Work Programme 2026, ERC Work Programme 2026, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

This funding opportunity seeks to bolster Europe's resilience to climate change by supporting projects that develop innovative tools and methodologies for risk assessment, crisis management, and adaptation. It emphasizes the importance of integrating space program components and fostering international cooperation to enhance climate security and civil preparedness. The call encourages projects that address the unique challenges faced by European outermost regions and promote the FAIR principles for data management. Ultimately, this initiative aims to improve situational awareness, decision-making, and public awareness to create a more resilient Europe in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include authorities in charge of disaster risk, international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) which may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries are also eligible for funding. The active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 3 authorities in charge of disaster risk from at least 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries is required.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA), HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA), HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA), HORIZON Pre-commercial Procurement (HORIZON-PCP), and HORIZON Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (HORIZON-PPI) under the Horizon Europe Programme. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium of multiple applicants is required, with a specific requirement for the active involvement of at least 3 authorities in charge of disaster risk from at least 3 different EU Member States or Associated Countries.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and, under specific provisions, certain non-EU/non-Associated Countries. Relevant international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding.

Target Sector: The program targets the civil security sector, focusing on climate security, disaster risk management, climate adaptation, environmental security, and related areas such as agriculture, biodiversity, health, border security, economy, financial stability, transport, telecommunication, and human displacement.

Mentioned Countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and non-EU/non-Associated Countries (with specific provisions).

Project Stage: The project stage includes development, validation, and demonstration, with a focus on developing and validating advanced tools, technologies, and data-driven solutions for climate and environmental risk forecasting, crisis management, and adaptation. The projects should aim for new risk-management tools, technologies and data, closer to operational environment.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the type of action, with indicative contributions ranging from €1,330,000 to €12,000,000. For example, HORIZON-IA actions have budgets between €4,500,000 and €12,000,000, while HORIZON-RIA actions range from €3,000,000 to €9,000,000. HORIZON-CSA actions have a budget of €1,330,000. HORIZON-PCP has a budget of 5,830,000 and HORIZON-PPI has a budget of 2,000,000.

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant to cover eligible costs.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic is provided, suggesting the number of projects that are expected to be funded. For most HORIZON-IA and HORIZON-RIA actions, the indicative number of grants is 2, while for HORIZON-CSA, HORIZON-PPI, and some HORIZON-IA actions, the indicative number of grants is 1.

Co-funding Requirement: The information provided does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the Civil Security for Society 2026 program, aims to fund projects that develop innovative solutions for climate security and civil preparedness. The focus is on creating methodologies, tools, and technologies to enhance situational awareness before and after climate-related crises, enabling decision-makers and populations to respond effectively. The call encourages projects that define priority climate security scenarios, involve key stakeholders, and establish essential indicators for informed decision-making. Projects should address the impacts of climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and wildfires, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups. The call also promotes international cooperation, policy integration, and the use of space programme components like Copernicus and Galileo. Eligible applicants include authorities in charge of disaster risk, international organisations, and the Joint Research Centre, with a requirement for consortia to include at least 3 disaster risk authorities from different EU Member States or Associated Countries. Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the application process involves a single stage. The call encompasses various types of actions, including Innovation Actions, Research and Innovation Actions, Coordination and Support Actions, Pre-commercial Procurement, and Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions, each with specific budget allocations and expected outcomes.