European Commission launches Security Research and Innovation Campus
Update Explained
The European Commission has launched a new Security Research and Innovation Campus as part of its ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy, located at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra. This Campus aims to connect research with operational security needs to enhance the EU's strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty. It brings together national and EU security experts and organizations to test and deploy security technologies across various critical areas, such as border management, defence, and nuclear security. The Campus supports the development of an integrated European model for capability development, from research to deployment, through structured collaboration across six defined pillars of security challenges. This initiative is further supported by Horizon Europe's security research programme and the planned European Competitiveness Fund.
What changed
The European Commission has opened a Security Research and Innovation Campus aimed at integrating research with practical security needs across the EU.
Why it matters
The creation of the Security Campus is expected to enhance the EU's capability to develop and deploy security technologies more effectively, involving close cooperation among EU agencies and Member States.
Key dates
Publication date
Sep 10, 2026
Key details
- The Campus is a core element of the ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy.
- Six interlinked pillars guide the Campus: space, connectivity and quantum; border management; crisis management; defence; internal security; nuclear security.
- Collaboration with key EU agencies and national authorities is central to the initiative.