European innovation strengthens border management with new EU technology

On 1-3 September 2025, a Joint Demonstration Event showcasing the latest European Innovation on Border Surveillance took place in Turku, Finland. Co-organised by the European Commission, the Finnish Border Guard, the University of Turku (UTU), and the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS), under the banner of Community for European Research and Innovation for Security (CERIS), the event featured 19 European prototype solutions by innovators from 14 EU Member States.

The prototypes shown spanned from drones and artificial intelligence platforms to advanced data fusion systems, digital twins, next-generation sensors, and autonomous maritime vessels, while Technology Readiness Levels ranged from 5 to 8, demonstrating promising capabilities in advanced phases of development. The demonstration of the prototype electric autonomous vessel e/MS Salama, developed by TUAS, and a live visit to the Finnish Coast Guard Regional Control Room and Aboa Mare Simulation Centre were also scheduled.

Over 100 participants, including more than 50 representatives of national authorities (border guards, coast guards and police) from EU Member States, Schengen Associated Countries, and operational EU Agencies, including Frontex, gathered for the occasion.

EU-funded research and innovation on civil security

Presented European prototypes have been developed also thanks to EU-funded research and innovation on civil security, in particular the Horizon Europe Civil security for society, and programmes such as the Border Management and Visa Instrument and the NextGenerationEU. 

Many of these innovations reflect EU goals that combine security, resilience, technology sovereignty and sustainability, showing how EU-funded research and innovation contribute to safer borders, stronger cooperation among Member States, and a more secure and resilient Union. Investing in European innovation is key for Europe’s strategic autonomy and for ensuring that European technologies comply with EU values and legislation.

On July 16, 2025, the European Commission proposed the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which includes both Horizon Europe and a new European Competitiveness Fund, to support the EU’s future civil security research, innovation and industry, boosting EU competitiveness and resilience.