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
• 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
Advisory Board
An Advisory Board, composed of key stakeholders with relevant expertise and knowledge about the project topics and activities, supports the consortium throughout the project from a strategic point of view, providing inputs and feedback on project outcomes.
The current advisory board members are as follows:
News
- ORION Horizon Europe Project Website launched
on 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
Blog
ORION: Advancing Secure, Ethical and User‑Centric Border Management in Europe
Border management today faces growing challenges: increasing mobility flows, complex operational environments, and rising expectations regarding data protection and fundamental rights.
Collaboration
Sister Projects
The ODYSSEUS European project is expected to improve border crossing experience for travelers and border authorities’ staff, while maintaining security and monitoring of movements across land and sea EU external borders. The aim of this project is to support the safety and integrity of the European space, reducing illegal movements of people and goods across those borders, and protecting fundamental rights of biometric identity travelers.
📢 Help Shape the Future of Border Management - Participate in the ORION Survey
Join us in revolutionising border management by sharing your insights through the ORION survey. Your experiences and opinions are vital in crafting solutions that enhance security while ensuring a seamless travel experience. Together, we can build a safer and more efficient border system that meets the needs of all stakeholders. Take part today and contribute to a brighter future for border management in Europe.
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.