As Europe continues to face evolving security challenges across its maritime and land borders, the EURMARS project has emerged as a leading example of how technological innovation and cross-border cooperation can strengthen the continent’s resilience. Funded under the Horizon Europe programme, EURMARS – An advanced surveillance platform to improve the EURopean Multi-Authority bordeR Security efficiency and cooperation, brings together 18 partners from 13 countries, uniting expertise from research, industry, SMEs and end-user communities.

From Vision to Deployment

Launched in 2022, EURMARS set out to design, develop, and validate a multi-authority surveillance platform capable of integrating data from satellites, unmanned vehicles, high-altitude platforms, and ground-based sensors. By combining these sources through AI-driven data fusion and advanced analytics, the platform provides a shared operational picture that enhances situational awareness and supports timely, informed decision-making across European border agencies.

The project’s development was structured around a series of Living Labs and Pilot Demonstrations, which allowed users to test technologies under realistic operational conditions. Early Living Labs in Varna, Bulgaria, focused on interoperability and real-time vessel detection. These were followed by major pilot demonstrations in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria, where the EURMARS platform was tested in live scenarios such as search and rescue operations and maritime law enforcement missions.

Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Throughout its three-year duration, EURMARS has actively contributed to the European research community through participation in key events such as RISE-SD 2024, HEMUS 2024, the CERIS Joint Demonstration Event, and the Security Research Event 2025. These platforms enabled the consortium to engage with EU agencies, policymakers, and practitioners, promoting collaboration and the exchange of best practices in security research and innovation.

Looking Ahead

As EURMARS reaches its conclusion in 2025, its achievements extend beyond the technological domain. The project has laid a foundation for a sustainable, interoperable, and ethically responsible surveillance framework, demonstrating that European cooperation can deliver tangible results in safeguarding borders. Its tested technologies, validated frameworks, and collaborative networks will continue to inform future research, policy, and market uptake – reinforcing EURMARS’ legacy as a model for innovation in European security.