EURMARS Final Publishable Report

Written by george.armagos on 22 October 2025. Posted in News.

The EURMARS Project has successfully concluded its three-year journey under the Horizon Europe programme, delivering an advanced maritime and border surveillance platform that enhances interoperability, situational awareness, and cooperation across Europe. Bringing together 18 partners across Europe, EURMARS integrated satellite, aerial, coastal and UAV-based sensing technologies with AI-driven analytics and data fusion tools, validated through large-scale pilot demonstrations in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria. The project also developed ethical, legal and human-centric frameworks to ensure that technological innovation in border surveillance remains transparent, privacy-compliant and aligned with European values. EURMARS demonstrated how innovation, collaboration and responsible AI can strengthen security and resilience while upholding fundamental rights.

Read more in the Final Publishable Report below

EURMARS-FinalPublishableReport Download

EURMARS at the CERIS Joint Demonstration Event in Turku, Finland

Written by george.armagos on 2 October 2025. Posted in News.

On 2–3 September 2025, the EURMARS consortium was proud to participate in the CERIS Joint Demonstration Event on European Border Surveillance Innovation, hosted in Turku, Finland.

The event, co-organised by the European Commission, the University of Turku, and the Finnish Border Guard, gathered practitioners from EU Member States, Schengen Associated Countries and EU Agencies, including the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) and Frontex, to explore innovative solutions for future border security.

EURMARS presented its experimentation platform and live use cases, demonstrating how advanced sensor fusion and AI-enabled situational awareness can improve the efficiency, reliability, and ethical use of border surveillance technologies.

Key highlights from our participation:

Live demonstration of the EURMARS platform in action
Direct interaction with practitioners and national authorities to discuss real-world operational needs
Presentation of innovative solutions developed under the Horizon Europe framework to support integrated maritime surveillance

The CERIS Joint Demonstration Event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase EURMARS results, exchange experiences with end-users, and strengthen cooperation across Europe’s border security ecosystem.

By participating in this event, EURMARS continues to contribute to a safer and more secure European border environment, while promoting the project’s core values of innovation, responsibility, and ethics-by-design.

Advancing European Border Security: EURMARS Journey from Innovation to Real-World Impact

Written by george.armagos on 29 September 2025. Posted in Article.

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.

Building Trust in Border Technology – The Science of Systematic Validation

Written by george.armagos on 26 September 2025. Posted in Article.

Building Trust in Border Technology
The Science of Systematic Validation

Systems Engineering | European Security Research | Validation Methodologies

European researchers have developed revolutionary frameworks for ensuring that border surveillance systems actually work in the real world. These scientific approaches to validation are transforming how we build trust in critical security technology.

The Assurance Case Revolution

For decades, security system validation relied on simple checklists and compliance matrices. European researchers have introduced a more sophisticated approach: the “assurance case” a documented body of evidence that provides a convincing and valid argument that a system is adequately built for its intended purpose.

Breakthrough Concept: Rather than just checking boxes, assurance cases require explicit arguments connecting evidence to claims, creating a transparent reasoning process that can be audited and verified.

This approach represents a fundamental shift from “does it meet standards?” to “does it actually work for its intended purpose?” The difference is crucial in complex border security environments where standard compliance doesn’t guarantee operational effectiveness.

The Hierarchical Framework for System Validation

The assurance case methodology organizes evidence in a hierarchical structure that moves from abstract goals to concrete proof. This systematic approach ensures that every aspect of system performance is rigorously validated.

Top Level: Mission Goals

What is the system supposed to achieve? Enhanced border security, improved threat detection, better resource allocation.

Middle Level: System Claims

Specific claims about system capabilities: “The system can detect small vessels at 95% accuracy” or “The interface reduces decision time by 30%.”

Evidence Level: Concrete Proof

Actual test results, operational data, risk assessments, user feedback, and validation studies that support each claim.

This hierarchical structure ensures that high-level goals are systematically connected to real-world evidence. Every claim must be supported by tangible proof, creating a chain of reasoning that can be examined and validated by independent experts.

Requirements Reuse: Accelerating Innovation

One of the most significant innovations emerging from European research is the systematic reuse of requirements across different border security projects. This approach addresses a critical challenge in European security research: how to build upon previous work rather than starting from scratch with each new initiative.

Case Study: Multi-Project Knowledge Transfer

Analysis of seven major EU-funded border management projects revealed that requirements reuse could have accelerated development by 40% while improving consistency across related systems.

Project A Requirements

→

Knowledge Base

→

Project B Adaptation

→

Enhanced System

This flow represents a paradigm shift from isolated project development to continuous knowledge building and refinement across the European security research ecosystem.

The benefits extend beyond efficiency. Requirements reuse ensures that lessons learned from operational deployment are captured and applied to future systems. When border guards identify problems or suggest improvements, this knowledge can be systematically incorporated into new projects.

Scientific Benefits of Systematic Validation

The research reveals multiple scientific advantages of these new validation approaches:

🔍

Enhanced Transparency

Clear reasoning chains make system capabilities and limitations visible to all stakeholders

🎯

Better Targeting

Validation focuses on operational effectiveness rather than just technical specifications

🔄

Continuous Improvement

Systematic knowledge transfer accelerates learning and innovation across projects

⚖️

Legal Defensibility

Documented evidence and reasoning provide legal protection for system operators

🤝

Stakeholder Confidence

Transparent validation builds trust among operators, managers, and oversight bodies

📈

Performance Optimization

Evidence-based approach enables continuous system performance improvement

Real-World Implementation Success

European border security agencies have begun implementing these validation frameworks with remarkable results. The assurance case approach has been particularly successful in maritime border surveillance, where complex systems must operate reliably in challenging environments.

The methodology has proven especially valuable for systems incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning. Traditional validation approaches struggle with AI systems that learn and adapt over time. Assurance cases provide a framework for validating not just the initial system, but its ongoing performance and evolution.

Operational Impact: Agencies using systematic validation report 60% fewer system failures and 45% faster problem resolution when issues do occur.

Implications for Future Security Technology

The research has profound implications for how we approach security technology development. Rather than focusing solely on technical innovation, we must equally invest in validation innovation, the science of ensuring that technology actually works as intended.

This shift represents a maturation of the security technology field. Just as aviation moved from trial-and-error to systematic safety engineering, border security is evolving from technology-centric to effectiveness-centric development approaches.

The European experience demonstrates that the most advanced technology is worthless without systematic validation. Conversely, even modest technology can be highly effective when properly validated and integrated into operational workflows.

Policy and Regulatory Implications

These validation frameworks are influencing European policy and regulation. The European Commission now requires assurance case approaches for major security system procurements, recognizing that systematic validation is essential for public accountability.

The approach also addresses growing concerns about AI transparency and accountability. Assurance cases provide a framework for explaining and defending AI-driven decisions, which is crucial for legal and ethical compliance in security applications.

A New Foundation for Trust

The European research on systematic validation represents a fundamental advancement in how we approach security technology. By moving beyond simple compliance checklists to rigorous, evidence-based validation, we can build systems that deserve the trust placed in them.

This scientific approach to validation provides the foundation for the next generation of border security technology systems that are not only technologically sophisticated but also operationally proven, legally defensible, and worthy of public trust.

As border security challenges continue to evolve, these validation frameworks provide the scientific rigor needed to ensure that our technological responses are effective, reliable, and accountable.

EURMARS Final Event Press Release

Written by george.armagos on 29 July 2025. Posted in News.

Read the full Press Release of the Demonstration Event.

EURMARS Final Event_Press_Release Download

Leveraging Context-Aware Microtasks and Feedback Loops to Improve Decision Support in Border Management Operational Procedures

Written by george.armagos on 17 July 2025. Posted in Article.

In today’s interconnected world, European border security faces increasingly complex challenges. Issues such as illegal migration, human and drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes continue to test the capabilities of national and regional authorities. To respond effectively, the European Union has invested in advanced technological projects like EURMARS, which aim to improve coordination among multiple agencies. By combining data from satellites, drones, high-altitude platforms, and ground sensors, EURMARS creates a unified surveillance system that strengthens monitoring and situational awareness across Europe’s borders.

A key part of this framework is the Decision Support System (DSS), which helps officers manage security incidents more efficiently. Instead of simply alerting users to threats, the DSS offers practical, step-by-step guidance that aligns with existing Common Operational Procedures (COPs). This guidance is delivered in the form of context-aware microtasks small, clear actions tailored to each situation, such as confirming vessel identity or assessing environmental risks. These microtasks help officers follow procedures more consistently and make better decisions during fast-moving operations.

The DSS also integrates Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze user feedback and learn from past experiences. During and after operations, officers can provide comments or rate the usefulness of the system’s recommendations. NLP tools then interpret this input to refine and prioritize microtasks for future use. Over time, the system becomes smarter and more adaptive, ensuring that it continuously improves based on real operational feedback. Importantly, the DSS does not replace human decision-making; rather, it supports officers by providing clearer guidance and reducing uncertainty.

Field tests conducted in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria have shown promising results. As users interacted with the DSS, the system generated new and more effective microtasks, improving coordination between agencies and helping officers act with greater confidence. By integrating advanced AI technologies with human expertise, EURMARS demonstrates how intelligent systems can enhance security, strengthen cooperation, and support faster, more reliable decision-making in border management operations.

EURMARS Final Event and 3rd Pilot Demonstration Successfully Completed in Shabla, Bulgaria

Written by george.armagos on 7 July 2025. Posted in News.

The EURMARS Project marked a major milestone with the successful completion of its Final Event and 3rd Pilot Demonstration, held in Shabla, Bulgaria, from 30 June to 4 July 2025. The event showcased the project’s integrated surveillance platform in a real operational setting, bringing together technology partners, end-users and security experts from across Europe.

A Convergence of Innovation and Cooperation

Over several days, the EURMARS consortium demonstrated how cutting-edge technologies can enhance European border surveillance and maritime security. The live demonstrations featured the integration of satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), coastal sensors and AI-driven analytics, offering participants a comprehensive view of the platform’s capabilities in real-time monitoring and decision support. The event began with equipment setup, system integration and calibration activities led by the project’s technical partners, followed by test runs to ensure smooth coordination during the main demonstration days. Researchers, engineers and operational authorities worked side by side to validate the system’s performance and interoperability embodying the project’s spirit of cross-border collaboration and innovation.

Showcasing Next-Generation Maritime Surveillance

The live scenarios replicated real maritime operations, including search-and-rescue missions, vessel detection and multi-authority coordination. These tests demonstrated how EURMARS technologies can facilitate data sharing and improve situational awareness among law-enforcement, border-control and defense entities at both national and European levels. The choice of Shabla as a testing site was strategic: located on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, it provided ideal conditions for real-world maritime trials. The event was organised in close cooperation with the Municipality of Shabla, which provided essential support to the consortium and participants throughout the week.

Three Bulgarian institutions played a central role:

The “N. Y. Vaptsarov” Naval Academy, bringing expertise in naval operations and personnel training.
The Defence Institute “Professor Tsvetan Lazarov”, contributing its research and development experience in defense technologies.
The General Directorate “Border Police” of the Ministry of Interior, providing operational know-how in border control and security.

Together, these institutions ensured that the demonstrations reflected authentic operational conditions and end-user requirements.

Collaboration Across Europe

Participants included 18 partners from 13 countries, representing research organisations, SMEs, industry and public authorities. The event drew attendance from end-users, policymakers and Horizon Europe representatives, underlining the value of European cooperation in security research.

A Step Toward Operational Adoption

The successful execution of the demonstrations represents a significant step toward integrating EURMARS technologies into the daily practices of European border and maritime authorities. The tested solutions and validated frameworks will inform future research, operational adoption and potential market deployment helping shape a safer, smarter and more connected Europe.

Partner Voices and Event Highlights

During the Final Event, EURMARS partners also took part in a series of on-site video interviews, sharing their experiences, insights and reflections on the project’s three-year journey. These interviews capture the collaborative effort behind EURMARS. Watch the full project video and partner interviews here.

Acknowledgements

The EURMARS Project extends its appreciation to all participants, end-users and supporting institutions who made this event a success.

Photo Gallery

For the official press release about the Final Event and demonstration, read the full article here

EURMARS Project Showcased at the Security Research Event 2025 in Warsaw

Written by george.armagos on 27 June 2025. Posted in News.

The EURMARS Project proudly participated in the Security Research Event (SRE) 2025, held in Warsaw, Poland, showcasing our innovative work in advanced, multi-authority border surveillance.

Day 1 of the event featured our exhibition booth, where the EURMARS team engaged with researchers, end users and security professionals from across Europe. Visitors had the opportunity to explore how the EURMARS platform integrates:

High-altitude platforms
Satellite imagery
UAVs (Unmanned Vehicles)
AI-powered risk analysis

These technologies work together to address the evolving and complex challenges facing maritime border security in the EU.

Day 2 included a dedicated live presentation of the project, offering attendees an in-depth look at EURMARS’s objectives, technical capabilities and real-world applications. The session covered key project facts, outlined the main challenges and motivations behind the work and featured impactful video material demonstrating the EURMARS platform in action.

A sincere thank you to all participants who attended the presentation, visited the booth and contributed to valuable discussions throughout the event. Your engagement and feedback are vital to the success and continued growth of EURMARS.

EURMARS at the 2nd DETECTION HUB Workshop in Riga, Latvia

Written by george.armagos on 18 June 2025. Posted in News.

The EURMARS Project was proud to participate in the 2nd DETECTION HUB Workshop, held in June 2025 in Riga, Latvia. The event gathered experts and stakeholders from across Europe including representatives from law enforcement, governmental agencies, research organisations, academia and industry to continue advancing the dialogue on innovative detection technologies for border security and safety.

Building on the success of the first DETECTION HUB Workshop in Madrid, this second edition focused on integrating research outcomes and operational needs, with a particular emphasis on interoperability, data sharing, and cross-border cooperation. Participants discussed emerging technologies for the detection of illicit goods, hazardous materials, and security threats, alongside strategies to strengthen EU-wide collaboration frameworks.

EURMARS contributed by presenting its approach to multi-authority situational awareness and AI-enhanced detection, highlighting how the project’s integrated platform supports real-time decision-making and ethical, interoperable border surveillance.

The workshop fostered fruitful exchanges among Horizon Europe projects, practitioners and policy experts, reinforcing the shared goal of bridging research, innovation, and implementation.

EURMARS 2nd Pilot Demonstration

Written by george.armagos on 26 May 2025. Posted in News.

The EURMARS Project successfully concluded its 2nd Pilot Demonstration, held from 12–15 May 2025 in Portland, UK, bringing together consortium partners, technology providers, and end users to validate integrated surveillance capabilities in a live maritime environment.
This pilot marked a significant milestone in demonstrating how the EURMARS platform can enhance situational awareness, and decision-making in complex border surveillance scenarios.

The demonstration began with the deployment and configuration of key components of the EURMARS platform. Technical teams focused on establishing equipment and testing communication channels between the various components.

The second day involved inter-system communication tests and data simulation trials using the EURMARS applications. These tests were critical for validating seamless data exchange between components and ensuring the robustness of the platform’s architecture prior to live scenario execution.

The live scenario runs, which took place on Days 3 and 4, marked the most impactful moments of the pilot and were attended by all participating end users and stakeholders. Several high-priority border surveillance scenarios were executed designed to evaluate the platform’s overall functionality, responsiveness, and interoperability in realistic conditions.

These scenarios were executed alongside real-time detection checks, information exchange, and component synchronization across the EURMARS platform. Feedback from end users and stakeholders was positive, highlighting the system’s strong potential to support real-world border surveillance operations.

The EURMARS Project team extends its sincere thanks to all project partners, technical teams, stakeholders and end users whose contributions made this 2^nd Pilot Demonstration a success. From systems set-up to scenario execution, every step reflected the collaborative spirit and innovation that drive EURMARS forward.

Looking Ahead

The insights gained from the 2nd Pilot Demonstration will directly contribute to the continued development, integration, and exploitation of the EURMARS platform. With each milestone, the project moves closer to delivering a next-generation, AI-powered surveillance solution to protect Europe’s maritime and border domains.