Missing persons: prevention and investigation - European Commission
This grant funds projects to develop advanced tools, training, and methodologies for preventing and investigating missing persons cases in Europe using modern science and technology.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: November 5, 2026
Funding Amounts: Total budget: €5,000,000 | Expected grant size: ~€5,000,000 (single grant) | Lump sum funding
Summary: Supports innovative tools, training, and methodologies to prevent and investigate missing persons cases in Europe, enhancing police and civil society capabilities with advanced technology and best practices.
Key Information: Requires active involvement of at least 3 Police Authorities and 2 Civil Society/NGO partners from 3+ EU/Associated countries.
Description
This funding opportunity aims to address the complex issue of missing persons in Europe, focusing on both prevention and investigation. The grant supports projects that modernize skills, tools, and training curricula for Police Authorities and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs/NGOs), enabling them to work effectively with at-risk and vulnerable groups while considering multicultural, legal, and ethical factors.
Projects should develop advanced investigation methodologies and leverage modern forensic science, biometrics, and digital forensics to solve both new and cold cases. There is a strong emphasis on improved cross-border cooperation, privacy-preserving data sharing, and gender-sensitive, intersectional approaches in interactions with families. The initiative promotes the creation of European common approaches, combining technology, socio-psychological knowledge, and practical field experience, with full respect for fundamental rights, including privacy and data protection.
