Intuitive user interfaces and wearables supported by Artificial Intelligence and with Augmented Reality capabilities, 3D facial and iris verification technology for “real-on-the-move” border crossing experience, digital identity based on blockchain technology, highly accurate and cost effective handheld devices for drug and precursors detection on the field – these are some of the projects we’re helping to develop as part of the Horizon Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
Despite the difficulties associated with the
COVID pandemic, we’ve been actively involved in pushing forward these projects
in an effort to enhance technological capabilities critical for border
security. Together with the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs
of the European Union (DG HOME) and Executive Research Agency (REA), Frontex
has been monitoring the progress of selected EU research projects that soon
could lead to important breakthroughs in the area of border security.
Frontex will continue to closely observe the work conducted within these
projects, provide feedback and will actively participate in tests, trials and
demonstrations.
So far, we’ve identified seven ongoing projects of interest for the European
Border and Coast Guard community: ANDROMEDA, ARESIBO, BorderSens, COMPASS2020, D4FLY, MIRROR and PERCEPTIONS. These address a wide spectrum of technological
capabilities critical for border security, including unmanned platforms,
document fraud detection, situational awareness, artificial intelligence,
augmented reality, integrated systems and identification of illicit drugs and
their precursors.
Frontex is continuously increasing its engagement in overseeing the parts of
the Horizon Framework Programme for Research and Innovation related to border
security. The recently signed Terms of Reference with DG HOME has recognised
our key role for the effective implementation of Border Security related
Horizon projects. Frontex’s key goals are to bring border and coast guard and
research and innovation together to foster technological developments for
border management and bring more innovation into the operational environment.
Within the Horizon Research and Innovation Programme, the Research Executive
Agency is the entity responsible for managing the grant agreements,
coordinating the evaluation and review workflows as well as in general
administrative supervision. DG HOME remains responsible for both the design and
implementation of the security part of the R&I Framework Programmes.
For more information on the EU Horizon framework and DG-Home and Frontex roles:
EU research and innovation funding programme
Migration and Home Affairs - Innovation and Industry for Security
Frontex to provide border security expertise to European Commission’s research projects