Discover R&D for EO Security

In 2021, the DG DEFIS and DG JRC, in coordination with the Copernicus Committee, User Forum and the entities implementing the Copernicus Security Services, joined efforts to enhance the streamlining of research and innovation based on user demand and operational requirements. This joint effort aims to achieve three main objectives through the implementation of the CSS-SRA:

• Ensure that the Copernicus Security Services evolve by utilizing state-of--the-art data, technologies and tools to deliver timely information in response to evolving user needs and security challenges.
• Expand the service scope and increase user uptake, by improving fitness for purpose, complement the existent service portfolio, integrate new technologies, and foster EU resilience and strategic autonomy at the political and Industrial levels.
• Foster EU strategic autonomy and Industrial competitiveness.

The development of the CSS-SRA involves a knowledge management exercise that defines strategic research priorities for Earth Observation (EO)-based security applications. It is carried out in close cooperation with the entrusted entities responsible for implementing the services: EMSA, Frontex, and SatCen. The process includes consultation and collaborative actions with other Copernicus services, European Space Agency (ESA), national space agencies and research institutions. The main elements of the process are as follows:

• Mapping and raising awareness of relevant R&D initiatives among the Entities entrusted with the service.
• Consolidating R&D requirements through gap analysis conducted with the EEs and service users, considering major EU and national policy needs;
• Coordination with relevant stakeholders in Member States (national space agencies and R&D organisations), across the EU (HaDEA, EUSPA, etc.) and ESA to foster synergies, avoid unwanted duplication, and streamline actions towards strategic objectives, at EU and national levels;
• Incorporating R&D links into CSS Contribution Agreements to strengthen connections with research and promote interaction between EEs and relevant R&D projects;
• Promoting the spin-off of technology by aligning R&D efforts with operational needs and facilitating the deployment of technology in operational scenarios;
• Supporting EU strategic autonomy by assessing and enhancing EU industrial capabilities.
• Contributing to the EU Space R&I Strategy on Copernicus Security matters;
• Identify sources of financing and synergic actions across R&D programmes, to the benefit of EO Security applications, strategic autonomy and competitiveness.

Effective coordination is crucial to ensure that the R&D strategy for CSS evolution is coherent, user-driven, and aligned with the CSS R&D requirements. The following actions are carried out within the framework of the SRA-CSS:

• Consulting with Member States and relevant National organizations
• Conducting an annual Workshop for sharing lessons learned, demonstrating R&D results, performing gap analysis, discussing requirements, priorities, and upcoming actions.
• Coordination with HaDEA on Horizon Europe, and EUSPA w.r.t the downstream sector
• Exploit synergies with related Copernicus services and collaborative R&D actions.
• Coordination with ESA on space technology applied to security, contributing missions, and related initiatives.

In August 2023, the CSS-SRA 1.0 - Guidelines for HE 2024 was issued. The document provided guidance for the EU Horizon Europe Research and Innovation call for Copernicus for Security (HORIZON-CL4-2024-SPACE-01-36).

Release of the Second Edition of the CSS-SRA – Recommendations for the upcoming MFF

On the 3rd of December 2025, the second edition of Copernicus Security Service Research Agenda (SRA 2025) was released at the Space Committee – Copernicus configuration.

This second issue of the Security Research Agenda provides recommendations for research and innovation activities to support the long-term evolution of the security services. Developed in close consultation with the European Commission services, Member States, EU agencies, ESA, and ongoing R&D initiatives, it serves as an advisory document to guide research priorities and align results with operational needs.

The SRA identified a marginal and fragmented investment in R&D for Security applications for the last ten years, which have largely slowed service evolution. The document maps current R&D gaps and defines priority technology areas in both the space and ground segments necessary to bring service delivery up to the capacity of state-of-the-art technology. It also highlights critical technologies to increase responsiveness, resilience, accuracy, and the ability to address new challenges, such as the integration of next-generation space sensors, higher performance ground processing capabilities and AI-driven data processing and automation. While some technologies still require further development, others already need systematic testing and validation for adaptation and integration into CSS operations.

This document also shows the work done in optimising the use of resources by fostering synergies between Horizon Europe, ESA programmes, and national research initiatives. In addition, it identifies complementary activities to be developed by the parties involved in the process to close the gap between service demand and offer. Moreover, it recommends increasing the on-going coordination effort by promoting joint investments in dual-use technologies, taking into account investments in defence and related governmental systems.

An ever-closer alignment between user needs and Horizon Europe, ESA, and national R&D priorities will be a key enabler for the systematic uptake of innovation into security services. For that to happen, it is also necessary that technologies will be demonstrated in operational contexts.

A central recommendation is the establishment of permanent platforms (or living labs) where new services, New Space entrants, and emerging technologies can be jointly tested, adapted, and validated in realistic operational scenarios. Such platforms are essential to accelerate the maturity of technology and combined solutions, strengthen collaboration across actors, and ensure that innovations are aligned with real user needs and can mature to be integrated into the service delivery chain.

The SRA concludes with a forward-looking implementation roadmap and investment plan to guide R&D for the evolution of Copernicus Security Service. It underlines that addressing obsolescence, adapting to new threats in the current geopolitical environment, and strengthening EU resilience, strategic autonomy, and responsiveness will require a significant boost in R&D investment in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

The document intended solely for authorised users in the Member States, as represented or indicated in the Copernicus Committee and User Forum, in the ‘Security Configuration’, as well as for the relevant European Commission services, EU agencies, and international organisations participating in the CSS SRA exercise.

The CSS SRA is a continuous exercise led by JRC.E2 under the Copernicus Administrative Arrangement with DEFIS, in close coordination with relevant Commission services.

For more information: JRC-CSS-SRA@ec.europa.eu