Protection of the euro against counterfeiting

Overview

PERI-2026 is a Pericles IV call for proposals funding projects that prevent and combat counterfeiting of euro banknotes and coins by supporting cooperation, capacity building and exchange of best practices among competent national authorities. Eligible applicants are designated competent national authorities of EU Member States acting as single beneficiaries; activities may include transnational trainings, workshops, studies, technical assistance and limited equipment for third-country specialised authorities when combined with other activities. The indicative budget for 2026 is €600,000, standard co-financing is 75% (up to 90% for defined priority actions), with proposals submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 21 April 2026 or 15 September 2026 and Part B limited to 70 pages. Evaluation covers relevance, quality and impact with a pass threshold of 60/100 and grants follow the PERI Model Grant Agreement with standard reporting, prefinancing and eligible cost rules.

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Highlights

Protection of the euro against counterfeiting — Call overview

What it funds

Scope and eligible activities

Co‑financing for projects under the Pericles IV programme to prevent and combat counterfeiting of euro banknotes and coins. Funded activities include transnational workshops, seminars and trainings, technical, scientific and operational assistance, studies and limited purchase of equipment for specialised anti-counterfeiting authorities (equipment purchases cannot be the sole grant component). Projects may target law enforcement, customs, judiciary, national central banks/mints, banks, cash handlers and related stakeholders.

Who can apply:Competent national authorities as defined in Article 2(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 from EU Member States (including euro and non-euro area Member States). Other actors (associated partners, subcontractors, third parties providing in-kind contributions) may participate but only competent national authorities are eligible beneficiaries.

Budget and funding rules:Indicative call budget €600,000 (2026). Grants are budget-based mixed actual-cost awards with a standard funding rate of 75% (priority actions may be funded up to 90%). Indirect costs are reimbursed at a flat rate of 7% of eligible direct costs. VAT eligibility follows standard EU rules and special public-authority considerations. Projects must respect the call documents and model grant agreement Call document and templates 1.

  1. 1Opening date: 19 February 2026
  2. 2Deadlines (multiple cut-off): 21 April 2026 17:00 Brussels time; 15 September 2026 17:00 Brussels time
  3. 3Maximum grant amount and exact funding per project: determined in grant preparation (see call document); total available for the topic €600,000 (indicative)
Type of actionPERI Project Grants (PERI-PJG) / PERI Action Grant Budget-Based (PERI-AG)
Eligible applicantsCompetent national authorities (Article 2(b) Regulation 1338/2001)
Activities fundedWorkshops, trainings, operational assistance, studies, limited equipment for third-country authorities
Funding rateStandard 75% (priority actions up to 90%)
Indicative call budget€600,000 (2026)

Proposals are submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applications must follow the Part A/Part B templates, respect page limits and include required annexes (detailed budget table, draft agenda/outline for events/studies, etc.). See the topic page for full conditions, evaluation criteria and templates.

Footnotes

  1. 1Full call documentation, application templates and submission are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal topic page: Protection of the euro against counterfeiting.

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Breakdown

Protection of the euro against counterfeiting — Call for Proposals (PERI-2026-ANTI-COUNTERFEIT)

Programme: Pericles IV — Programme for the Protection of the Euro against Counterfeiting. Managing authority: European Commission, DG ECFIN (Unit ECFIN.C.5 — Euro protection and euro cash). Type of action: PERI-PJG (PERI Project Grants). Model Grant Agreement: PERI Action Grant Budget-Based (PERI-AG). Opening date: 19 February 2026. Cut-off deadlines: 21 April 2026, 17:00 Brussels time; 15 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Deadline model: multiple cut-off. Electronic submission only via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Official topic page and documents:Topic page: PERI-2026-ANTI-COUNTERFEIT — Funding & Tenders Portal. Call fiche (PDF): Call document — PERI-2026-ANTI-COUNTERFEIT. Draft agenda/outline template: Draft agenda/outline (PERI). Application Form templates (Part A and Part B): Application Form (PERI). Model Grant Agreement: PERI MGA. Programme page: Pericles IV programme.

Purpose and scope

Objective: To prevent and combat counterfeiting and related fraud affecting euro banknotes and coins, preserve the integrity of euro cash, strengthen public and business trust in the euro and the Union’s economy, and safeguard public finances. Specific objective: To protect euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting and related fraud by supporting and supplementing Member State measures and assisting competent national and Union authorities to develop close, regular cooperation and exchange of best practices, including with third countries and international organisations.

2026 priorities (scope):1) Improve cooperation among Member States particularly affected by production and distribution of counterfeits. 2) Foster cooperation with authorities of non-EU countries where counterfeit euro production is suspected or evidenced. 3) Maintain an efficient protection framework in South-Eastern Europe. 4) Topical developments: a) Awareness-raising and exchange of best practices across law enforcement, judiciary and customs regarding internet/darknet/social media/encrypted apps as distribution platforms, altered design banknotes, and counterfeit security features; b) Establishment, reinforcement and networking among National Central Offices (NCOs); c) Euro coins: fight against high-quality counterfeit classes, implement Regulation (EU) No 1210/2010, and handle unfit euro coins.

Activities that can be funded:a) Exchange and dissemination of information via workshops, meetings, seminars, trainings, targeted placements, and staff exchanges covering best practices in prevention, methodologies for monitoring and economic impact analysis, operation of databases and early warning systems, use of detection tools, inquiry/investigation methods, scientific assistance and technology watch, protection of the euro outside the Union, research actions, and provision of specific operational expertise. b) Technical, scientific, and operational assistance, including Union-level teaching resources (handbooks, bulletins, manuals, glossaries, lexicons, databases, software), multidisciplinary and transnational studies (including research on innovative security features), development of Union-level detection instruments and methods, and support for cooperation in operations involving at least two States where no other EU programme can support. c) Purchase of equipment to be used by specialised anti-counterfeiting authorities of third countries to protect the euro (only together with other activities, not as a standalone component).

Target groups:Staff of agencies detecting/combating counterfeiting (police, customs, financial administrations), intelligence personnel, national central banks and mints, commercial banks and financial intermediaries, judicial officers, specialist lawyers, members of the judiciary, and other specialists such as chambers of commerce, SMEs, retailers, and cash-in-transit companies. Projects may include activities and participants from non-EU countries and should be transnational and multidisciplinary.

Categorisation and key facts

Eligible Applicant Types:Competent national authorities as defined in Article 2(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001, designated by EU Member States for protecting the euro against counterfeiting (e.g. national central banks, mints, National Central Offices under the Geneva Convention, police, customs, and other empowered bodies). Primary profile: public authorities and similar public sector bodies. Other organisations (e.g. banks, mints, judicial schools) can be involved as associated partners, subcontractors, or contributors, but are not eligible as direct beneficiaries unless they are designated competent authorities under the Regulation.

Funding Type:Grant (budget-based, mixed actual cost grant with unit cost and flat-rate elements under the PERI Model Grant Agreement).

Consortium Requirement:Single. Only applications by single applicants are allowed. Affiliated entities and other participants (associated partners, subcontractors, third parties giving in-kind contributions) are permitted where needed.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):EU Member States’ competent national authorities, including from euro area and non-euro area Member States. Activities can include third countries and target groups from third countries, and grants may finance equipment for specialised anti-counterfeiting authorities in third countries when combined with other eligible activities.

Target Sector:Security/cybersecurity (anti-counterfeiting, law enforcement cooperation), finance (cash integrity, central banks, mints), justice and public safety (judiciary and prosecution training), and other related domains such as forensic science of cash authentication and industrial processes related to coin handling and detection. Classified here as security/cybersecurity, finance, and other.

Mentioned Countries:China; Bulgaria; Kosovo; Montenegro; North Macedonia; Serbia. Region referenced: South-Eastern Europe. Eligibility region: EU Member States (both euro and non-euro area).

Project Stage:Operational implementation and capacity-building. Emphasis on exchange of best practices, training, staff exchanges, operational cooperation, studies, development of detection instruments, and targeted equipment purchases for third-country authorities. Classified as other (implementation, training, and capacity-building).

Funding Amount:Estimated total call budget: €600,000 for 2026. Individual grant sizes are not specified in the call fiche. Standard EU funding rate is 75% of eligible costs; up to 90% for priority actions (defined below). Prefinancing normally 50% of the maximum grant amount (up to 70% if justified), with no interim payments and a balance payment at the end.

Application Type:Open call with two cut-offs, submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. One-stage submission.

Nature of Support:Money. Co-financing to partially reimburse eligible direct costs, with unit cost and flat-rate components as specified in the MGA.

Application Stages:1 stage. Standard one-stage submission and one-step evaluation by an evaluation committee.

Success Rates:Not specified in the call documentation. Proposals are evaluated and ranked; those above threshold may be funded within available budget.

Co-funding Requirement:Yes. Standard EU co-financing rate is 75%. A higher rate of 90% may be applied if the project is a priority action: a) conferences, seminars, workshops in and staff exchanges with a majority of participants from one or more of China, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia; or b) actions specifically devoted to awareness-raising and exchange of best practices between law enforcement and judiciary or customs; or c) actions proposed by competent national authorities that did not receive Pericles funding in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Eligibility and evaluation

Eligible countries and participants:Applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must be competent national authorities under Article 2(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001, from any EU Member State (euro or non-euro area). All entities must register on the Participant Register and pass validation. Entities subject to EU restrictive or conditionality measures are ineligible in any role. Other entities may participate as associated partners, subcontractors, or in-kind contributors.

Admissibility and documentation:Submission before deadline via the Portal. Part A (online forms: admin, participants, summary budget) and Part B (technical description, max 70 pages) plus mandatory annexes: detailed budget table; draft agenda/outline if events or studies are planned. Part B must be readable and printable; excess pages will be disregarded. Paper submissions are not accepted.

Evaluation and award criteria:One-step evaluation. Criteria and weights: Relevance (max 45): compliance with objectives/priorities and coverage of target groups (30), European dimension including cooperation with ECB and Europol (15). Quality (max 30): intrinsic quality of conception, organisation, presentation and objectives (10), cost-effectiveness (10), risk mitigation including options for hybrid/online events (10). Impact (max 25): impact and anticipated results (10), complementarity with national/EU projects (15). Maximum points: 100. Overall pass threshold: 60. Ties resolved by Relevance, then Impact, then Quality; if needed, portfolio and synergies considerations.

Timetable:Cut-off 1 evaluation: April–June 2026; results and GA signature: July–August 2026. Cut-off 2 evaluation: September–November 2026; results and GA signature: November–December 2026. Projects from the first cut-off must start after 15 October 2026; projects from the second cut-off must start after 1 January 2027.

Financial framework and cost rules

Grant form and funding rate:Budget-based mixed actual cost grant with unit costs and flat-rates. Standard funding rate 75% of eligible costs, up to 90% for priority actions (as defined). No-profit rule applies. Grants may not produce a surplus of revenues plus grant over costs.

Budget categories:A. Personnel (A.1 employees; A.2 natural persons under direct contract; A.3 seconded persons). B. Subcontracting. C. Purchase costs (C.1 travel and subsistence; C.2 equipment; C.3 other goods, works, services). D. Other cost categories (not foreseen). E. Indirect costs (7% flat-rate of eligible direct costs A–D, with standard exemptions).

Specific eligibility conditions:Travel and accommodation: actual costs in line with usual practices; accommodation baseline ceiling €150 per night excluding breakfast unless justified. Subsistence: unit costs per Commission Decision C(2021)35 where applicable, otherwise actual costs as per usual practices. Equipment: depreciation costs; full-capitalised costs are exceptionally eligible only for equipment for specialised anti-counterfeiting authorities of third countries to protect the euro. Indirect costs: 7% of eligible direct costs (A–D). VAT: non-deductible, non-refundable VAT is eligible, except VAT paid by public bodies acting as a public authority (not eligible). For training-type activities that could be equally organised by private entities, VAT may be eligible subject to national law. In-kind contributions for free are allowed but cost-neutral (not eligible costs). Costs for separate project websites are ineligible; communication via organisational websites or social media is eligible.

Financial flows and payments:Prefinancing: normally 50% of maximum grant amount; up to 70% if own resources are insufficient or project at risk without increased prefinancing. No interim payments; balance at the end. Prefinancing guarantees may be required as set in the Grant Agreement. Reporting and verification follow the PERI MGA.

Application package and templates

Forms and limits:Part A: online administrative forms (coordinator and participants, summary budget, declarations). Part B: technical description (upload PDF), with a 70-page limit, Arial minimum 9pt, A4, 15 mm margins; do not rely on hyperlinks for essential information. Mandatory annexes: detailed budget table; draft agenda/outline for events or study components; application uses the specific PERI standard forms provided in the Submission System.

Technical description — structure (Part B):1) Relevance: background and objectives; needs analysis and specific objectives; European dimension including cooperation with ECB and Europol; coverage of target groups and countries. 2) Quality: concept and methodology; project management and quality assurance; teams and experts; cost-effectiveness and financial management; risk management including hybrid/online contingency. 3) Impact: expected effects and results; complementarity with other projects; communication, dissemination, and EU funding visibility; sustainability. 4) Workplan: work packages and activities; tasks and roles (COO, beneficiaries, affiliated entities, associated partners); deliverables; events and trainings table (type, location, duration, targeted stakeholder groups and countries, expected participants); equipment table if requesting full-cost option for third-country specialised authorities; subcontracting table with justification and best-value procedures; Gantt-style timetable (up to 24 months). 5) Other: ethics and security (as applicable). 6) Declarations: higher funding rate justification (if claimed); higher prefinancing justification (if requested); double funding statements; any hotel room rate exceptions above €150 per night; VAT declaration regarding activities carried out as public authority.

Draft agenda/outline template (for events or studies):Applicants must upload for each planned event or study: draft agenda (events) with coherent topics aligned to euro protection against counterfeiting, appropriate durations, Q&A and networking time, and identification of speakers/trainers where known; or a provisional outline (study). Include EU flag, organiser logo, and the standard funding statement per the Grant Agreement. The template foresees slots for registration, opening address, thematic sessions, coffee/lunch breaks, moderated discussions, and day wrap-ups.

Mandatory deliverables:Lists of participants/attendance lists for events and trainings; event feedback form synthesising participant evaluation forms. These are required for all projects and must be uploaded via the Portal during continuous reporting and with final reports.

Key budget and reporting practices:Personnel time calculation: the indicative monthly factor is 17.92 working days if 1 year equals 215 working days. For travel class above economy: permitted when any segment is at least four hours’ continuous travel and when premium economy exists or business is justified if premium economy is unavailable. Attendance proof: attendance lists signed for every implementation day; reimbursed accommodation/subsistence headcount must match participant counts. Supporting documents: invoices are not submitted with the final report but must be retained 5 years after balance payment (3 years if the grant is €60,000 or less). Currency conversion and exchange rate rules are per Article 21.3 of the MGA. Beneficiaries must pay and settle all event-related costs and then claim eligible portions per the grant rules.

Legal, operational, and administrative conditions

Regulatory framework:EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509; Pericles IV Regulation (EU) 2021/840; Pericles Non-Euro Area Regulation (EU) 2021/1696; Council Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 defining competent national authorities and measures to protect the euro against counterfeiting; Model Grant Agreement (PERI MGA). Applicants must also observe rules on EU restrictive and conditionality measures and data protection. The call is implemented under the Pericles IV 2026 Work Programme.

Operational capacity and exclusion:Applicants are considered public authorities or similar and thus are presumed to have adequate financial and operational capacity. Standard EU exclusion grounds apply (bankruptcy, tax/social breaches, grave professional misconduct, fraud, corruption, etc.).

Grant administration and reporting:Continuous reporting via the Portal (deliverables, outputs, indicators). Periodic reporting: for the final payment, submission of the technical report and financial statements; no interim payments. Records and supporting documents must enable reconciliation of declared costs to accounting records and be kept for 5 years (3 years for grants up to €60,000). Project communication must display the European flag and standard funding statement and follow the visibility rules in Article 17 of the MGA.

Submission and support

How to submit:Submit via the Electronic Submission Service on the topic page. Steps: create EU Login; register organisation in the Participant Register to obtain a PIC; complete Part A online; download, complete and upload Part B and annexes; validate and submit before the cut-off time. After submission, a confirmation email is sent; if not received due to a system fault, file an IT Helpdesk complaint with evidence and the proposal attached.

Contact and guidance:Call-specific queries: ECFIN-PERICLES@ec.europa.eu. Technical support: Funding & Tenders IT Helpdesk. Guidance: Portal Online Manual; PERI reference documents; Annotated Model Grant Agreement (AGA). Regularly check the topic page for updates.

Practical compliance highlights

  • Only single-beneficiary applications by competent national authorities are admissible; affiliated entities and associated partners may participate, but do not replace the beneficiary role.
  • For priority actions, clearly demonstrate eligibility for the 90% co-financing rate and indicate majority of participants and topics where required.
  • Accommodations above €150 per night require justification in the application and will be assessed during grant preparation.
  • Equipment purchases for third-country specialised authorities must be bundled with other eligible activities; full-cost equipment claims are limited to that context.
  • All project events must include attendance lists and feedback forms; plan data collection in the agenda and logistics.
  • Travel and subsistence must follow the beneficiary’s usual practices; retain original supporting documents and proof of travel class and duration.
  • Ensure that VAT treatment follows whether activities are carried out as a public authority or under market-like conditions; document national-law conditions where necessary.
  • No financial support to third parties is allowed; subcontracting must be limited and justified, with best value for money and no conflict of interest.
  • No separate project websites are eligible; use institutional websites or social media for dissemination and visibility.
  • Project start dates must respect cut-off specific thresholds: post 15 October 2026 for the first cut-off and post 1 January 2027 for the second.

Key data overview

Call IDPERI-2026
ProgrammePericles IV — Protection of the Euro against Counterfeiting
Action typePERI-PJG (Project Grants)
SubmissionElectronic via EU Funding & Tenders Portal
Cut-off 1 deadline21 April 2026, 17:00 Brussels time
Cut-off 2 deadline15 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time
Indicative call budget (2026)€600,000
Funding rate75% standard; up to 90% for priority actions
PrefinancingNormally 50%; up to 70% if justified
ConsortiumSingle beneficiary (affiliates/partners allowed)
Geographic eligibilityEU Member States’ competent national authorities (euro and non-euro area)
Activities outside EUPermitted; may include non-EU target groups; equipment for third-country specialised authorities allowed when combined with other activities
Mandatory deliverablesAttendance lists; event feedback forms
EvaluationOne-step evaluation; pass threshold 60/100
ContactECFIN-PERICLES@ec.europa.eu

Templates: outline to help applicants

Part A — Administrative forms (online):General information: topic; action type; proposal title and acronym; duration; abstract; keywords; resubmission history. Participants: organisation data (PIC, legal name, addresses, legal status), departments, main contact details. Budget: per participant by cost category (A personnel, B subcontracting, C purchases, E indirect costs), own/third-party resources, requested EU contribution. Other questions: clinical studies relevance (normally not applicable here), GHG fields (if present, complete per form), implementation countries.

Part B — Technical description (uploaded PDF):1) Relevance: rationale; alignment with call objectives/priorities; target group coverage; European dimension and links to ECB/Europol; benefiting countries and activity locations. 2) Quality: approach and methods; management and QA; team profiles and external resources (subcontracting, secondments); cost-effectiveness; risk management with hybrid/online options. 3) Impact: short-, medium-, long-term effects; complementarity with national/EU actions; communication/dissemination/visibility; sustainability. 4) Workplan: WP1 management and cross-cutting tasks; WP2+ for core activities; deliverables (max 10–15 overall), due months, and dissemination levels (Public/Sensitive/EU Classified); events and trainings table; subcontracting table; equipment full-cost option table (if applicable); timetable (months). 5) Other: ethics and security (not usually applicable but include if relevant). 6) Declarations: higher funding rate; higher prefinancing; double funding; hotel room rates over €150; VAT as per public authority test.

Draft agenda for events (upload separately):Include project title/acronym; event name; date; venue; structured sessions with moderators/speakers (names and affiliations where known; otherwise to be confirmed); Q&A slots; breaks; participant engagement; visibility elements (EU flag and funding statement). Align all topics with the project scope and euro protection focus.

Summary and explanation

This call funds concrete, operational measures to protect the integrity of euro banknotes and coins by empowering the competent national authorities of EU Member States to cooperate, exchange best practices, train practitioners, and strengthen detection and investigation capacities. Projects can organise transnational trainings, staff exchanges, and seminars; develop teaching resources and technical tools; conduct multidisciplinary studies including on innovative security features; and, when combined with other activities, purchase equipment for specialised authorities in third countries. The 2026 focus prioritises deeper cooperation where counterfeiting risks are highest, engagement with non-EU authorities where production is suspected, consolidation of the protection framework in South-Eastern Europe, and responses to topical threats like online distribution channels, altered design banknotes and counterfeit security features. The grants are single-beneficiary and reserved to the competent national authorities designated under Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001 (e.g. central banks, mints, police, customs, National Central Offices). Funding typically covers 75% of eligible costs, rising to 90% for priority actions involving defined countries or specific awareness-raising cross-authority exchanges, or for authorities new to Pericles funding in 2023–2025. Applicants submit a concise administrative Part A and a detailed Part B narrative with a maximum of 70 pages, plus a detailed budget and a draft agenda or outline for events/studies. Mandatory deliverables include participant attendance lists and feedback forms to evidence reach and quality. The PERI Model Grant Agreement governs cost eligibility and reporting, including travel, subsistence (unit costs where applicable), equipment (depreciation with a limited full-cost exception for specific third-country equipment), an indirect cost flat-rate of 7%, and VAT eligibility dependent on whether activities are conducted as a public authority. A typical financial flow provides 50% prefinancing (up to 70% if justified) and a final balance after reporting, with no interim payments. Evaluation emphasises relevance to programme objectives, European dimension and ECB/Europol cooperation, robust design and cost-effectiveness, risk mitigation (including hybrid/online formats), impact, and complementarity with other efforts. In short, this opportunity is a targeted, implementation-oriented instrument for EU Member State competent authorities to strengthen operational resilience against euro counterfeiting through training, cooperation, technical assistance, and selective equipment support, especially where risks are evolving and transnational collaboration is critical.

Short Summary

Impact

Prevent and combat counterfeiting of euro banknotes and coins to preserve cash integrity, strengthen public and business trust in the euro, and protect public finances.

Applicant

Applicants should have operational capacity in anti-counterfeiting (detection, investigation and enforcement), experience in transnational cooperation and training, technical/scientific expertise for studies and tool development, and strong project management and financial administration skills.

Developments

Transnational and multidisciplinary activities such as workshops, trainings, staff exchanges, operational and technical assistance, studies on security features and detection methods, and limited equipment provision for specialised third‑country authorities when combined with other activities.

Applicant Type

Government organizations (competent national authorities designated to protect the euro, e.g., central banks, mints, police or customs bodies).

Consortium

Single applicants only (mono‑beneficiary grants), though affiliated entities, subcontractors and associated partners may participate where needed.

Funding Amount

Indicative call budget €600,000 (2026); individual grant amounts not specified; standard co‑financing rate 75% of eligible costs, up to 90% for defined priority actions.

Countries

Eligible beneficiaries are EU Member States (both euro and non‑euro area); priority/targeted actions may involve China, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia and a focus on South‑Eastern Europe.

Industry

Pericles IV programme — protection of the euro against counterfeiting (security/finance/public safety focused).

Additional Web Data

PERI-2026-ANTI-COUNTERFEIT: Protection of the Euro against Counterfeiting

Programme Overview

This call for proposals under the Pericles IV programme supports projects to protect euro banknotes and coins against counterfeiting and related fraud. It supplements Member State measures and fosters cooperation among national and Union authorities, including exchanges of best practices with third countries and international organisations where appropriate.

The general objective is to prevent and combat counterfeiting, preserve euro integrity, strengthen public trust, and secure public finances. The specific objective targets protection through enhanced cooperation and best practice sharing.

Key Dates and Budget

Opening Date:19 February 2026

Deadlines (multiple cut-off):21 April 2026 17:00 Brussels time; 15 September 2026 17:00 Brussels time

Available Budget:€600,000 for 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants are competent national authorities as defined in point (b) of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001, from euro area or non-euro area EU Member States. These include entities designated for identifying counterfeits, analysing data on counterfeit notes and coins, such as national central banks, mints, or national central offices under the Geneva Convention.

  • Single applicants only (mono-beneficiary grants; affiliated entities allowed if needed)
  • Projects must align with call objectives and eligible activities
  • Admissibility: Proposals limited to 70 pages (Part B); specific layout required
  • No financial support to third parties

Themes and Priorities

  1. 1Supporting cooperation among Member States affected by counterfeit production and distribution
  2. 2Fostering cooperation with non-EU countries suspected of counterfeit euro production
  3. 3Maintaining protection framework in South-Eastern Europe
  4. 4Topical developments: Awareness on internet/darknet distribution, altered banknotes, counterfeit features; support for National Central Offices (NCOs); euro coins counterfeits and unfit coins handling

Eligible Activities

Projects must address transnational and multidisciplinary aspects of counterfeiting. Target groups include law enforcement, customs, financial administrations, intelligence, central banks, mints, judiciary, and others like chambers of commerce.

  • Exchange/dissemination of information via workshops, seminars, trainings, staff exchanges (e.g., best practices, detection tools, investigation methods, research)
  • Technical/scientific/operational assistance (e.g., studies, handbooks, databases, detection tools)
  • Equipment purchase for third-country anti-counterfeiting authorities (combined with other activities only)

Funding Details

Funding Rate:75% of eligible costs; 90% for priority actions (e.g., events in China/Bulgaria/Kosovo/Montenegro/North Macedonia/Serbia; awareness-raising between law enforcement/judiciary/customs; new beneficiaries from 2023-2025)

Budget Categories:Personnel (A); Subcontracting (B); Purchase costs: Travel/subsistence (C.1), Equipment (C.2), Other goods/works/services (C.3); Indirect costs (E: 7% flat-rate). VAT eligible if non-deductible.

CategoryKey Rules
Travel/SubsistenceActual costs (accommodation <= €150/night unless justified); subsistence as unit or actual costs
EquipmentDepreciation (full costs for third-country specialised authorities)
Reporting/PaymentsPrefinancing (50%, up to 70%); no interim; balance at end; records 5 years

Evaluation Criteria

CriterionSub-criteria (points)
Relevance (45)Compliance with objectives/priorities/target groups (30); European dimension/ECB/Europol cooperation (15)
Quality (30)Intrinsic quality/conception/organisation (10); Cost-effectiveness (10); Risk mitigation/hybrid options (10)
Impact (25)Anticipated results (10); Complementarity with other projects (15)
Pass Threshold60/100

Application Process

Submit electronically via Funding & Tenders Portal. Required: Part A (online), Part B (max 70 pages), detailed budget table, draft agenda/outline (if events/study). Confirm mandate and compliance. Contact: ECFIN-PERICLES@ec.europa.eu.

Projects start after 15 October 2026 (1st deadline) or 1 January 2027 (2nd). Use PERI Action Grant Budget-Based MGA. Apply via EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Key Documents

  • Call Document
  • PERI MGA
  • Application Forms (Standard PERI form, Detailed Budget Table, Draft Agenda/Outline)
  • PERI Regulation 2021/840
  • Regulation (EC) No 1338/2001

Additional Guidance

Mandatory deliverables: participant lists, event feedback forms. No CVs/activity reports/previous projects required. FAQs cover budget (e.g., no participant contributions; VAT non-deductible ineligible; subsistence calculation). Pericles IV Website.

Footnotes

  1. 1Details from official call fiche and portal. Check portal for updates.

Update Log

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Documents

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May 7th, 2026

Open topic on increasing security of citizens against terrorism, including in public spaces

Call for ProposalForthcoming

The Horizon Europe funding opportunity, known as HORIZON-CL3-2027-01-FCT-04, is focused on enhancing the security of European citizens against terrorism, particularly in public spaces. This initiative seeks innovative projects that can e...

November 4th, 2027

Detection of illicit trade

Call for ProposalOpen

Call EUAF-2026-TA-04 under the Union Anti-Fraud Programme Technical Assistance funds purchase and maintenance of detection equipment and IT tools plus mandatory specialized training to strengthen customs and other authorities' capacity t...

May 7th, 2026

Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Works

Call for ProposalOpen

Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Works (CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS-WORKS) funds deployment or significant upgrades of backbone networks, including submarine cables, terrestrial backbones and satellite ground stations, to st...

June 30th, 2026

Online harms detection and investigation tools using a short development cycle model

Call for ProposalForthcoming

The Horizon Europe call, specifically under the Civil Security for Society 2027 program, focuses on developing online harms detection and investigation tools. This initiative is structured as a Horizon Innovation Action, classified as a...

November 4th, 2027

Research Support Framework for Situational Awareness on information integrity

Call for ProposalForthcoming

Research Support Framework for Situational Awareness on Information Integrity (DIGITAL-2026-BESTUSE-RSF-10-AWARENESS) is a Digital Europe call to establish a shared research infrastructure and tools to support advanced research and analy...

October 1st, 2026