Optimized Risk-based Intelligence-driven Operations for Next-generation Secure, Reliable and Privacy-preserving Border Management
Faster, Greener, and More Secure Border Checks for Europe
About
ORION develops next-generation technologies to streamline borders, customs, and security checks. It integrates AI, advanced biometrics, and interoperable systems to enhance coordination, improve traveler experience, and ensure strong privacy and legal compliance across EU borders.
Aim
To revolutionize border management through AI-driven risk assessment, dynamic resource allocation, and predictive analytics, delivering faster, smarter, and more secure operations at land, maritime, and rail border crossings.
Facts & Figures
Programme: Horizon Europe
Call: HORIZON-CL3-2024-BM-01
Topic: HORIZON-CL3-2024-BM-01-04
Type of Action: Horizon Europe Innovation Action
Grant Agreement No.: 101225611
EU Contribution: €5,240,093.75
Duration: 36 months
Start Date: 01/09/2025
Coordinator: UBITECH (UBI)
Objectives & Expected Results
Objectives:
• Improve coordination between border, customs, and security controls with novel technologies;
• Optimise resource allocation to reduce waiting times while ensuring high security;
• Enhance threat detection in complex environments such as Ro-Ro ferry operations;
• Ensure interoperability with existing EU databases and legacy systems;
• Increase energy efficiency and lower environmental impact by minimising queues and congestion;
• Guarantee strong ethical and legal compliance to protect travellers’ data.
Expected Results:
• Faster and more predictable border crossing processes for travellers;
• Enhanced operational effectiveness in identifying security threats and anomalies;
• Improved decision-making support for border authorities through data-driven insights;
• Measurable reductions in congestion, energy consumption, and environmental footprint;
• Increased trust, transparency, and acceptance of border technologies through explainable and compliant AI.
ORION Solutions
How new technology could speed border crossing and boost security:
Remote Biometric Enrollment and In-vehicle Verification
Morphing Attack Detection and Mitigation
Device Security for Digital Identity and Travel Documents
Scalable Vehicle Screening through Portable X-Ray Scanning
Advanced Vehicle Visual Recognition and Anomaly Detection
AI-Driven Risk Assessment for Border Management Systems
Border Resource Allocation and Management Engine
Intelligent Queue Prediction and Management
Privacy-preserving Fuzzy Search and Encryption
Explainable-AI-fuelled Decision Support System
Use cases:
Intelligent Management of Embarkation Processes for Ro-Ro Ferries
Optimised Traveller Disembarkation from Ro-Ro Ferries at High-Traffic Ports
Enhanced Risk Assessment and Resource Allocation at Land Border Crossings
Improved Seamless Identity Verification at Train Stations
Consortium
ORION brings together 21 partners from 14 countries, including border and security authorities, industry and technology providers, research centres, universities, and transport operators.
Industry & Technology Providers
Associations
Universities & Research Organizations
Border Authorities & Transport Operators
News
- ORION consortium meets in Crete to advance border management solutions
on 18 June 2026 at 16:12 - ORION Horizon Europe Project Website launchedon 10 March 2026 at 16:34
- UIC Security: Progress and Cooperation in 2025on 16 January 2026 at 09:14
- ORION Project Officially Launched in Athenson 19 November 2025 at 15:08
Press Releases
ORION Kick-off Meeting, Athens November 2025
ORION Plenary Meeting, Chania June 2026
Blog
Collaboration
Sister Projects
Synergies & Membership
ORION builds on the valuable experience and outcomes of the ODYSSEUS project, which concluded in December 2025. Through knowledge transfer and the reuse of relevant insights on border management innovation, ORION contributes to ensuring continuity of European research efforts and further advancing secure, efficient, and user-centred border control solutions.
ORION is also contributing to the Detection Hub community, engaging with projects and stakeholders working on security, detection technologies, and operational innovation. Through this network, ORION shares insights, promotes cross-project cooperation, and helps build stronger links between research outcomes, end-user requirements, and future deployment opportunities.
As a member of the ECSCI Cluster (European Cluster for Secure and Intelligent Borders), ORION collaborates with other Horizon Europe projects to strengthen knowledge sharing, maximise impact, and foster innovation in border management.
This supports the development of aligned solutions, policy recommendations, and best practices responding to evolving operational and societal needs.
Resources
Contact
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.