Horizon Europe Cluster 3 – Effective Management of EU External Borders

Category: Research & innovation / Border management
EU Programme: Horizon Europe – Cluster 3: Civil Security for Society
Deadline: 5.11.2026

Eligible Western Balkan Partners: Albania; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Kosovo; Montenegro; North Macedonia; Serbia

Main Topics: Border management; security; travel; monitoring; age assessment

Short description: 
The 2026 call supports research and innovation in smarter border monitoring, easier and more accessible travel, and reliable age checks for border security. Indicative budget: EUR 21.33 million.

Why relevant for Western Balkans?
Relevant to Western Balkan research organisations, technology providers, public authorities and border-management stakeholders. All six Western Balkan partners are Horizon Europe associated countries, subject to topic restrictions.