Reliability of age assessment methods in the context of security and border management

Age assessment methods are important as they contribute to the determination of, for example, where an individual will be initially housed and what services, supports, and legal processes they will receive to ensure protection and, if applicable, child protection. In other cases, minors are victim of trafficking of human beings (THB) criminal activities, either across the EU external borders, or within the EU borders. In other cases again, age assessment methods are necessary for law enforcement investigations on protecting children, forensic investigation, and/or the identification of victims. No age assessment method can offer a 100% reliability. Different approaches have different sensitivity and specificity, and different sample sizes and representativeness, and some approaches are based on a non-European knowledge base. Furthermore, there is considerable variation in methods of age assessment. Methods may use approaches as diverse as interviews, psychological assessments and other holistic approaches; medical approaches such as X-rays, CT scans, DNA methylation, dental observation, or other analyses; other approaches such as image analysis; and they may use or not artificial intelligence (AI) for data analysis. EU regulations, and guidelines by the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA)[ [EASO Age assessment practices in EU+ countries: updated findings (europa.eu) https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EASO_Age_assessment_practices_updated.pdf []], include safeguards and recommendations, such as that the least invasive methods should be used, and that medical methods should be used as a last resort. Further studies, reports or documents have also been elaborated by the European Migration Network [1] , European networks of security practitioners for innovation, as well as at national level. The action funded by this topic should also consider these, as well as previous research, including but not limited to research by other relevant EU Framework Programmes projects. This Coordination and Support Action should not develop methods or technologies of age assessment. Rather, it will analyse, including with practitioners, the current and potential methods for age assessment. It should assess and compare scientific reliability, sensitivity and specificity of different methods, as well as their potential risks for fundamental rights and how to minimize them. While the research results would not imply any legislative or policy decision on age assessment methods, the research will develop evidence-based results on options for more (compared to the state-of-the-art) appropriate models of age assessment methods that protect fundamental rights, ensuring the use of an inclusive approach that addresses diverse needs. The results of research funded by this topic will contribute to capabilities for better identification of children and minors in the migratory, security, border management and other contexts, following the principles of the EU Strategy on the rights of the child [2] . They will also contribute to the exchange of practices among European authorities. Synergies with other Horizon Europe Cluster 3 Destinations, such as “Better protect the EU and its citizens against Crime and Terrorism” and “Disaster-Resilient Society for Europe”, as well as with Destinations of Horizon Europe Cluster 2 “Inclusive Society”. [1] https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/networks/european-migration-network-emn_en [2] COM(2021) 142 final.

Eligibility and submission conditions

"> General conditions 1. Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 2. Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide . 3. Other Eligible Conditions The following additional eligibility criteria apply: This topic requires the active involvement, as beneficiaries, of at least 2 Border or Coast Guard Authorities from at least 2 different EU Member States or Associated Countries. For these participants, applicants must fill in the table “Information about security practitioners” in the application form with all the requested information, following the template provided in the submission IT tool. described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual . 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [This [decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme] Some activities resulting from this topic may involve using classified background and/or producing of security sensitive results (EUCI and SEN). Please refer to the related provisions in section B Security — EU classified and sensitive information of the General Annexes. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE CSA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE CSA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes 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 Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement

Programme context

Proposals submitted under this Destination should contribute to the expected impact of the Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027: “facilitating legitimate movement of passengers and goods into the EU, while preventing illicit acts”. This Destination will support the implementation of the European Commission Political Guidelines 2024-2029, with research and innovation for future border management contributing to resilience and competitiveness. This includes investing in the update and development of future European digital and integrated border management that respects and promotes EU values. This will contribute to equip European border, coast guards and customs authorities with the future European state-of-the-art solutions, as well as to the preparedness and capabilities to manage future challenges across the EU external borders, including potential instrumentalisation of migration, hybrid attacks, migrant smuggling, and trafficking linked to transnational terrorism and/or organised crime. Research and innovation under this Destination will focus on preserving and securing the basic right to feel secure and on protecting and promoting fundamental rights as a priority for both European citizens and third country nationals. It will do so by funding projects which will study, develop and test possible future solutions that both strengthen, and make safer, European borders. Projects funded under this Destination will promote technological and social research and innovation and further explore and develop solutions that enhance the technological sovereignty of European authorities, in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian aviation and maritime security. To this end, proposals should contribute to the achievement of one or more of the following impacts: explore and develop future capabilities for European users in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime security, in particular in the capability areas of: border surveillance; facilitating travel and legitimate trade; assessing and managing risk; strengthening the Schengen area without introducing internal border controls; maritime, aviation, land transport, cargo and customs security; supply chain resilience; detecting and identifying threats; interoperability and cybersecurity of EU information systems and equipment; safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights in the context of border management. Research and innovation funded under this Destination will contribute to policy objectives such as: the Multiannual Strategic Policy for European Integrated Border Management [1] ; the implementation of the Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard [2] and its updates; the proposals to strengthen EU legislation to prevent and fight against migrant smuggling [3] ; the proposals on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel [4] ; the new European Internal Security Strategy [5] ; the new Counter-Terrorism Agenda; the European Preparedness Union Strategy [6] ; the EU Port Strategy; the civil security aspects of the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy [7] and of the European Ocean Pact; the Copernicus service for Security [8] improving crisis prevention, preparedness and response in four key areas: Border surveillance; Maritime surveillance; Support to EU External and Security Actions, R&D for Earth Observation Security; the EU Cable Security Action Plan [9] ; the new European action plans against drug trafficking and against weapons trafficking; the proposals for EU Customs reform [10] , including the proposed EU Customs Authority and Data Hub; the security aspects of the Comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce [11] ; the security aspects of the Competitiveness Compass for the EU [12] . Research and innovation will contribute to sustain and improve capabilities to cope with potential future critical situations or emerging challenges regarding both the flow of people and the flow of goods across external EU borders. These capabilities may include but not limit to: monitoring, preparedness and reaction in border management tasks, managing irregular or illegal activities involving people or goods across external borders of the EU; safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights and EU values, and ensuring legal compliance, in efficient border management; efficiency, performance, environmental impact and reaction in border management tasks in all geographical and meteorological conditions; integrated and continuous border surveillance, situational awareness and analysis support; safety, user experience and performance of practitioners’ staff in border management; security, privacy and usability of identity and (travel) documents and credentials; facilitating travel of bona fide passengers across external borders of the EU; prevention, detection and disruption of trafficking of dangerous, illicit and illegal goods and materials through external borders of the EU and the supply chain. Furthermore, research and innovation under this Destination will contribute to: safeguard the technological sovereignty of the EU in critical security areas by contributing to a more competitive and resilient EU security technology and industrial base; lower the environmental impact and footprint of border, customs and supply chain security tasks, through innovative solutions and methods; integrate and improve safety and cybersecurity of EU information systems, of innovative equipment, and of information and data in these areas, especially during their exchange at operational or tactical levels; improve interoperability both among proposed solutions and also with future technological developments in the areas of border management, customs and supply chain security, and civilian maritime and aviation security. Research projects funded under this Destination should engage with all stakeholders involved, including travellers, migrants, and operators, as relevant. Projects should align and contribute primarily to the realisation of the Capability Roadmap of the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) published by the EBCG Agency (Frontex), especially the Roadmap’s mid- and long-term perspectives. The Roadmap provides strategic vision for investments into the development of capabilities and is the result of integrated planning between the Member States and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Proposals submitted under this Destination should explain the alignment primarily with the Capability Roadmap and the plans for further uptake of the research outcomes, especially by involved practitioners in line with their national Capability Development Plans. Frontex will be closely associated with and will assist Member States and the European Commission in drawing up and implementing relevant research and innovation activities. The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) may also assist the European Commission on relevant research and innovation activities and specific topics. At the proposal preparation stage, Frontex and/or eu-LISA will not provide guidance on or otherwise be involved in the preparation of project proposals. However, proposals should consider and anticipate that Frontex and/or eu-LISA may observe pilots and demonstrations during project implementation to facilitate the future uptake of innovations within the border and coast guard community. To accomplish the objectives of this Destination, additional eligibility conditions have been defined regarding the active involvement of relevant security practitioners or end-users in the research projects’ consortia. Cross-community and cross-authority synergies within civil security can be an asset, for example in relation to combat crime and terrorism (across external borders); Disaster-Resilient Society (regarding natural hazards and disasters); Resilient Infrastructure (regarding threats to infrastructures, coming from across borders). Proposals submitted under this Destination should demonstrate how they plan to build on relevant predecessor projects; to consider the citizens’ and societal perspectives; to include education, training and awareness raising for practitioners and citizens; to measure the achieved TRL. Proposals should delineate the plans for further development to subsequent TRLs as well as uptake (industrialisation, commercialisation, acquisition and/or deployment) at national and EU level, should the research deliver on its goals. Knowledge and technologies developed by research funded under this Destination may be taken up or tested operationally with co-funding of instruments such as the Integrated Border Management Fund, in its components of the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) and Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI), and/or subsequent funding instruments. Member States authorities participating in research projects are encouraged to use those instruments for uptake (piloting, testing, validation, scale-up, transfer, acquire, deploy, etc.) of innovative solutions developed from research, as early as TRL 7. Research projects should consider, build on (if appropriate) and not duplicate previous research, including but not limited to research by other Framework Programmes projects. Successful proposals under this Destination are invited to cooperate with other EU-led or EU-funded initiatives in the relevant domains, such as the Knowledge Networks for Security Research & Innovation funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 3, or other security research and innovation working groups set-up by the Commission or EU Agencies. Funded projects are encouraged to liaise with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), for example with regards to a possibility of testing the relevant research outputs at the JRC Border Security Lab. Where possible and relevant, synergy-building and clustering initiatives with projects in the same area should be considered, in coordination with the Community for European Research and Innovation (CERIS) [13] . Cluster 3 will further incentivise the use of European Space Programmes’ services for border management innovation where relevant and their services and capabilities, including demonstration and validation of new technologies in operational environments. Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. For additional information please see “Restrictions on the participation of legal entities established in China” found in General Annex B of the General Annexes. [1] COM (2023) 146 final. [2] FRONTEX MB Decision 16/2024. [3] COM/2023/754 final; COM/2023/755 final. [4] COM (2021) 277 final; COM (2024) 670 final. [5] COM/2025/148 final. [6] JOIN(2025), 130 final. [7] JOIN/2023/8 final. [8] Regulation (EU) 2021/696 [9] JOIN(2025) 9 final [10] COM (2023) 257 final; COM (2023) 258 final – 2023/0156(COD); COM (2023) 259 final – 2023/0157(NLE); COM (2023) 262 final – 2023/0158(CNS). [11] COM(2025) 37 final. [12] COM(2025) 30 final. [13] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/ceris-community-european-research-and-innovation-security_en

Hivatkozott dokumentumok

[ [EASO Age assessment practices in EU+ countries: updated findings (europa.eu) Annex A Horizon Europe Programme Guide Online Manual [This [decision Standard application form (HE CSA) Standard evaluation form (HE CSA) Lump Sum MGA Detailed budget table (HE LS) Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions