Funding

European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) under the Grant Agreement No 101121271) and Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

Project background

Border control at EU external borders is becoming increasingly complex due to a rapidly evolving security environment. There is a growing need for effective information exchange between authorities. Current systems do not yet fully enable seamless integration of Customs into the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE), creating a clear need for development. CONNECTOR responds to this need by strengthening the role of Customs within a shared information and risk management system.

Project objectives

• Improve cooperation between Customs, Border and Coast Guard authorities
• Develop a shared risk assessment approach for all border management actors
• Increase situational awareness at EU external borders
• Support border security and prevent cross-border crime
• Facilitate smooth movement of people and goods

Project activities

• Develop the CE‑CISE system interoperable with existing CISE solutions
• Analyse EU-level policies, regulations, and user needs
• Define common use cases across authorities
• Design interoperable technological solutionsTest and validate the system in real operational environments
• Conduct large-scale demonstrations and cross-border trials

Partners

The CONNECTOR project is carried out by an international consortium of 17 organisations across Europe. The consortium includes companies, research and educational institutions, as well as authorities such as customs administrations and border and coast guard organisations. It brings together technology companies (Satways, Leonardo SIMAVI, ISDEFE, INLECOM), research organisations (Laurea, CERTH, CBRA, MDS, WOC), and several customs, border guard and police authorities from different countries.