The 2026 edition of the Projects to Policy Seminar (PPS) once again provided a valuable platform for connecting newly launched Horizon Europe security research projects with European policymakers in Brussels. Held on 10 and 11 June, the event brought together nearly 150 participants representing more than 36 projects, 6 EU agencies, and 7 European Commission Directorates-General for two days of presentations, discussions, and networking.
Co-organised by DG HOME and the European Research Executive Agency (REA), the seminar has a dual objective: to keep project representatives informed of the latest developments in EU policy and to increase policymakers’ awareness of recent research results and emerging innovative solutions.
The plenary sessions covered a wide range of topics relevant to Horizon Europe projects, including ethics, dissemination of project results, and innovation uptake. Representatives from several EU agencies – including Europol, CEPOL, Frontex, EUDA, eu-LISA, and the EU Innovation Hub – presented their ongoing activities and priorities, providing participants with a broader perspective on the evolving European security research landscape.
In addition to the plenary programme, participants joined breakout sessions designed to encourage more focused exchanges. On the first day, discussions were organised by thematic area, covering border management, disaster-resilient societies, resilient infrastructure, and the fight against crime and terrorism.
On the second day, groups were mixed across thematic areas, creating further opportunities for networking and cross-sector dialogue on issues such as emergency response, crisis management, and data management.
For projects active in border management, the seminar also provided an opportunity to exchange feedback and experiences with other initiatives in the field, including:
- “AutoBorder” (PO: 101225829) – Innovating secure and efficient border management through vehicle-integrated technologies
- “Orion” (PO: 101225611) – Optimised risk-based, intelligence-driven operations for next-generation secure, reliable, and privacy-preserving border management.
Overall, the 2026 Projects to Policy Seminar once again demonstrated the value of sustained dialogue between research projects and policymakers. By fostering direct exchanges, encouraging peer learning, and strengthening links between innovation and policy, the event continues to play an important role in supporting the impact and visibility of European security research. Participants were encouraged to continue these discussions beyond the seminar through bilateral cooperation and future exchanges.
