Next generation ATS platform for airport operations

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Code: 36345 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA4-1 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Research aims at developing the next generation of airport platforms, considering state-of-the-art ground technologies while leveraging innovative solutions and new aircraft capabilities aiming to achieve level 4 of automation as outlined in the Master Plan and by considering a trustworthy AI approach.

Support to programme execution framework on performance

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Code: 36342 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA7-1 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

The scope covers the support to SESAR performance related activities,  architecture activities (i.e., architecture modelling framework and support) and performance activities.

Regarding the performance dimension, the SESAR performance management process steers the overall R&I work, with reference to the SESAR performance ambitions and associated benefits specified in the European ATM Master Plan. It is based on the application of the baselined SESAR performance framework (SPF). The SESAR performance management process reconciles and maps the performance assessments and results delivered by the R&I projects with the SESAR Master Plan performance ambitions. It also ensures aggregating these results through the simulation of the relevant SESAR Solutions with the objective of delivering an ECAC-wide performance view, consolidation of performance results of on-going development activities, etc.).

Support to programme execution on SESAR architecture and on Strategic deployment planning and monitoring

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Code: 36340 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA7-2 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

The scope covers deployment activities on the ATM Master Plan and the support to SESAR architecture activities (i.e., architecture modelling framework and support).

Regarding the support to SESAR 3 JU in the management of the SESAR architecture (e.g., common taxonomy maintenance, content integration analysis, etc.).

Fast-track Enabling innovative air mobility (IAM) / Vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft (VCA) (crewed and uncrewed) operations

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Code: 36338 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-3 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements in addition to the proposed research elements below, if justified by their contribution to achieving the expected results of the topic and fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• Vertiport management for manned VCA
• Advanced vertiport and VCA U-space services
• Manned IFR VCA
• Automation of the VCA cockpit and remote pilot workstation
• Automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) for manned or unmanned VCA and helicopters
• Support for ATC automation and flight information services (FIS)

Enhanced CNS capabilities

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Code: 36336 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-2 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements beyond the proposed research elements below if they are justified by their contribution to achieve the expected outcomes of the topic and are fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• CNS as a service
• New air/ground technologies for the integration of high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS), hypersonic and supersonic vehicles and space launches.
• Satellite based multilateration (MLAT)
• Use of ADS-B phase overlay
• Collaborative cyber security framework for CNS
• Combined airborne and ground dual-frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) GAST-E approach service
• Ground-based Alternative – Position, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT)

Research to help shape the future regulatory framework for a DES

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Code: 36331 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA2-1 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

The expected outcome of this topic is to:

• support the evolution of the future regulatory framework addressing the impact of automation on the human role, providing insight on the challenges and potential solutions to design AI and non-AI based automation tools;
• contribute to a harmonised application of airspace classifications in Europe.
• improve ATM safety developing applications of Data4Safety.

Specific requirement for this topic: Research activities carried out under this topic should always duly consider and assess the potential impact of the proposed regulatory evolutions on military aviation, in particular military operations and training.

EIG Concert Japan

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Code: 36327 | Identifier Code: CONCERT/JAPAN/0425 | Programme name: 2941 | Start submission calls: 29/04/2025 | End submission calls: 29/07/2025

EIG CONCERT-Japan (Connecting and Coordinating European Research and Technology Development with Japan) aims to promote scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation between Japan and Europe.

Submission Deadline to the EIG CONCERT-Japan: 22 July 2025, 10:00 (CEST)

Deadline for Proposal Submission to the RIF: 29 July 2025, 13:00 (Local Time)

Next generation ATS platforms for en-route and TMA operations

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Code: 36315 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-1 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Research aims at developing the next generation of ATS platforms both for en-route and TMA environments, considering state-of-the-art ground technologies while leveraging innovative solutions and new aircraft capabilities aiming to achieve level 4 of automation as outlined in the Master Plan and by considering a Trustworthy AI approach.

Digital flight rules

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Code: 36313 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-2 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

The expected uutcome of this topic is to significantly advance the development priority regarding FR-2 Digital flight rules.

Smart airports, airports as multimodal nodes and passenger experience

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Code: 36311 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA4-2 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements beyond the proposed research elements below if they are justified by their contribution to achieve the expected outcomes of the topic and are fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• Collaborative management at regional airports supported by Centralised Lite airport operations centre (APOC)
• AOP and performance monitoring for a group of airports
• Airport integration into the user-driven prioritisation process (UDPP)
• Airport environmental performance management
• Smart airports
• Integration of IFR RPAS in airport and CTR operations

Transformation to trajectory-based operations

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Code: 36309 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA1-1 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements beyond the proposed research elements below if they are justified by their contribution to achieve the expected outcomes of the topic and are fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• TBO integration activities and global interoperability
• ANSP-triggered impact assessment
• Unconstrained desired trajectory (UDT)
• FF-ICE/R2 precursor for the revision of the agreed trajectory in strategic execution
• FF-ICE/R2 trajectory revision and/or update in execution for arrivals into Europe from non-FF-ICE areas (ASPs that are not eASPs)
• Evolution of military flight planning
• Integration of flight operations centre (FOC), electronic flight bag (EFB), flight management system (FMS) and ATC platforms
• Connected aircraft Network TBO (airline information services domain (AISD)
• Increased dynamicity in the application of RAD/LoA constraints
• Develop a digitalised letters of agreement (LoA) repository and their provision to NM

Airborne capabilities for supporting reducing ATM environmental footprint

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Code: 36307 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA5-3 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements beyond the proposed research elements below if they are justified by their contribution to achieve the expected outcomes of the topic and are fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• Environmentally driven trajectory planning
• Wake energy retrieval (WER)
• Environmentally friendly TMA operations through combined dynamic management of aircraft configuration and navigation and route structure
• Voluntary mitigation of climate impact for individual flights in low-density/low complexity traffic situations at AU initiative
• Environmentally optimised operations with geometric altitude

Fast-track Extending U-space eco-system

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Code: 36305 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-2 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements beyond the proposed research elements below if they are justified by their contribution to achieve the expected outcomes of the topic and are fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• Use of public LTE/4G/5G cellular networks for low altitude operations.
• CNS capabilities for U-space, UAS and military integration.
• E-conspicuity solutions for U-space.
• Integration of drones and crewed aircraft in defined shared airspace geozones.
• U-space services for certified (crewed or uncrewed) aircraft.

Highly automated ATM for all airspace users

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Code: 36303 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA5-2 | Programme name: 20969 | Start submission calls: 01/04/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025

Proposals may include other research elements beyond the proposed research elements below if they are justified by their contribution to achieve the expected outcomes of the topic and are fully aligned with the development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan.

• Development of on-board non-cooperative sensors in support of detect and avoid (DAA)
• Enhanced automation support for space-launch management
• IFR RPAS integration in airspace classes D to E
• IFR RPAS integration in airspace classes F to G
• Safe integration of lower performance IFR RPAS in the European airspace
• Dual-frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) based on satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) / aircraft-based augmentation system (ABAS) receivers
• High-altitude operations (HAO) GNSS and inertial sensors
• Airborne-based alternative – Position, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT)

Completion of the initial Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

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Code: 36300 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08-COMPLETION-STEP | Programme name: 15593 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2025 | End submission calls: 02/09/2025

The objective is to complete the existing network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) with entities from countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme that have not yet participated in any previous EDIH call. These entities will provide the complete set of services of an EDIH, including the necessary infrastructure, focusing primarily on a specific geographical area and covering the digital transformation needs of the local SMEs, mid-caps and/or public sector organisations with a reinforced AI focus for EDIH operations.

The Completion of the EDIHs network will be pivotal in supporting the widespread deployment and uptake of European AI technologies, solutions and tool, while also promoting the adoption of other crucial digital technologies, all in alignment with EU values and a human-centric approach.

Consolidation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus)

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Code: 36297 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08-CONSOLIDATION-STEP | Programme name: 15593 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2025 | End submission calls: 02/09/2025

The objective of this call is the consolidation of the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) aiming to cover all regions of the European Union and Associated Countries, including the EU’s outermost regions, by strengthening its performance and capacity to meet local, regional, national and European digitalisation needs. With increased experience and capacities, the EDIHs will continue providing the complete set of services of an EDIH, including the necessary infrastructure, focusing primarily on specific geographical areas, and covering the digital transformation needs of local SMEs, mid-caps and/or public sector organisations. Considering the transformation potential of AI technologies, these will be a reinforced focus of EDIHs’ operations under this call.

The consolidation of the EDIHs network will be pivotal in supporting the wide deployment and uptake of European AI technologies, solutions, and tools and in promoting the adoption of other crucial digital technologies, while upholding Union values and human-centric perspective.

European Network of Factcheckers

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Code: 36294 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2025-BESTUSE-08-FACTCHECKERS | Programme name: 15593 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2025 | End submission calls: 02/09/2025

The EU supports the capacity of a multidisciplinary community to understand, monitor and counter disinformation.

The objective of this topic is to maintain and further develop a platform supporting the operations of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), as well as deepening the language coverage and operational capacity of fact-checking in Europe.

In particular, the topic will support the operational cooperation between fact-checkers, researchers and media literacy practitioners across the EU through EDMO and support fact-checkers, with the aim to contribute to the fight against disinformation, to gain further insight on disinformation, monitoring of the disinformation space, debunking disinformation through the network of fact-checkers, and increasing the resilience of media professionals and citizens to disinformation.

Network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs)

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Code: 36292 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2025-BESTUSE-08-NETWORKSICs | Programme name: 15593 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2025 | End submission calls: 02/09/2025

The objective of the topic is to continue to support national Safer Internet Centres (SICs), which may be composed of one or more NGOs, government bodies/agencies, and/or private sector organisations. SICs provide online safety information, educational resources, public awareness tools and counselling and reporting services (through dedicated helplines and hotlines) for young people, teachers/educators, and parents/carers.

Sectoral digital skills academies: Virtual Worlds Skills Academy

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Code: 36290 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08-VIRTUAL-WORLDS-ACADEMY-STEP | Programme name: 15593 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2025 | End submission calls: 02/09/2025

Virtual worlds blend physical and digital worlds in real-time for a variety of purposes such as designing new prototypes, virtualising entire cities or for different types of simulations. Virtual worlds are a fast-evolving technology, gaining ground in more and more areas of our lives.

The Virtual Worlds Skills Academy will reinforce the talent pool needed to achieve the aspirations of the EU to pioneer the development of the various building blocks of virtual worlds, such as extended reality, 3D graphics, content creation, computer vision, AI, interactive media, modelling and industrial applications (digital twins), digital identity, data privacy and big data.

Sectoral digital skills academies: Digital Skills Academy in GenAI

Opened

Code: 36287 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2025-SKILLS-08-GENAI-ACADEMY-STEP | Programme name: 15593 | Start submission calls: 15/04/2025 | End submission calls: 02/09/2025

This topic aims to establish an academy in Artificial Intelligence (AI): the “AI Skills Academy”.

The AI Skills Academy will be a one-stop-shop for a range of activities supporting or developing educational and training schemes in two main focus areas:

• skills for the uptake and deployment of AI and in particular ‘GenAI’ in key economic sectors;
• skills related to the development and deployment of AI models in the ‘AI Factories’ facilities. This call covers only the establishment of the first part of the AI Skills Academy, focused on AI and GenAI. Another call will be organised at a later stage to cover specific skillset necessary for the AI Factories.

The main objective of this first part of the AI Skills Academy is to address the current and future AI skills gap in the EU’s strategic sectors and strengthen the pool of AI specialists, particularly in the field of Generative AI (GenAI) development and application. To do so, the AI Skills Academy (in short, the Academy) will leverage the collaboration between industry, higher education, and vocational training institutions to skill, up-skill and re-skill students and professionals and facilitate their positioning in the EU labour market, matching their expertise with the needs of the AI market, and of EU industries and the public sector.

The Academy will additionally focus on boosting the AI and GenAI competences and job-placement of underrepresented groups in the AI workforce, particularly of women and on promoting AI-related opportunities for students, professionals and the broader public, targeting also Europeans living abroad.