News

The TENACITy project has successfully completed its three-year journey, delivering a holistic Travel Intelligence Governance Framework that combines innovation, interoperability, and ethics. Bringing together 17 partners from across Europe, TENACITy developed advanced tools including Risk Management, Anomaly Detection, OSINT and Blockchain based data exchange solutions and validated them in real-world settings. The project also co-designed its approach with citizens and Passenger Information Units (PIUs) to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust. TENACITy demonstrated that technological progress in security can fully align with European values of privacy, ethics, and fundamental rights.

Read more in the Final Publishable Report below:

Abstract:

This document presents key insights from four EU-funded projects FLEXI-cross, TENSOR, ODYSSEUS, and TENACITy working on border management, travel security, and law enforcement intelligence support. It highlights common challenges, lessons learned, and gaps identified across technical and operational implementations. This joint report serves as a roadmap for policymakers, security practitioners, industry stakeholders, and technology experts, fostering a more secure and intelligent approach to border management and law enforcement.

Read the full Press Release of the TENACITy Final Pilot & Conference “Strengthening Security & Resilience” 

The TENACITy Final Pilot & Conference – “Strengthening Security & Resilience” took place in Brussels, bringing together European security experts, policymakers, and technology partners. The event marked the successful conclusion of the Horizon EU Funded TENACITy project, demonstrating how innovative travel intelligence tools and governance frameworks can enhance Europe’s capacity to prevent and respond to crime and terrorism.

Opening Remarks & Project Overview

The day began with welcoming remarks and an overview of the event’s goals. Attendees were introduced to the Final Pilot objectives and TENACITy’s strategic vision to enhance security and travel intelligence in Europe.

Key points:

• Presentation of the project’s main achievements
• Introduction to the Travel Intelligence Governance Framework
• Emphasis on stakeholder collaboration and ethical innovation

Virtual Large-Scale Exercise

A highlight of the day was the Virtual Large-Scale Exercise, where participants engaged in a simulated operational environment to test the TENACITy tools in action. Divided into working groups and supported by technical partners, attendees explored the tools’ performance and collaboration features in realistic, scenario-based conditions.

Key takeaways:

• Realistic hands-on testing environment
• Guided collaboration between technical experts and end users
• Demonstrated tool performance under simulated operational settings

Evaluation & Societal-Legal Aspects Discussion

Following the Virtual Large-Scale Exercise, participants completed the official EU Evaluation Survey, providing essential feedback on the usability and relevance of the TENACITy tools. The session continued with a dedicated discussion on the Regulatory, Legal, and Societal Aspects of travel data use, bringing together partners including Transcrime, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Nutcracker Market Research, and KEMEA. The discussion addressed critical challenges such as fragmented passenger data, inconsistent law enforcement protocols, and the legal and ethical safeguards required for cross-border data transfer and use. Researchers presented survey results from Passenger Information Units (PIUs) and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) regarding the processing of Passenger Name Records (PNR) and Advance Passenger Information (API), highlighting the dual role of travel data in identifying both offenders and victims in aviation contexts. The session emphasized the need for stronger legal alignment, data protection standards, and fundamental rights safeguards to ensure the responsible and effective use of travel intelligence across EU Member States.

Tools Presentations & Technical Exchange

In one of the final sessions of the event, TENACITy consortium partners delivered a comprehensive overview of the suite of tools developed under the project. This session provided participants with valuable insights into both the technical architecture and operational relevance of each tool, along with honest reflections on the development process.

The discussion covered:

• Functionality & Use Cases: How each tool supports travel intelligence operations in real-world settings.
• Challenges Faced During Development: From integration complexities to ensuring compliance with evolving legal requirements.
• Lessons Learned & Future Improvements: Key takeaways from pilot testing and areas identified for refinement or scaling.

This discussion underlined how these tools, integrated within the TENACITy platform, can support Passenger Information Units (PIUs), Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and other security stakeholders in their mission to prevent and respond to security threats in a timely and ethical manner.

Consortium partners who contributed to the tools discussion included:

• Space Hellas S.A.
• Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Information Technology
• EUROPEAN DYNAMICS
• Hardware and Software Engineering (H.S.E.)
• University of Sheffield

Closing Insights: Data, Risk, and the Future of Travel Intelligence

The final sessions of the TENACITy Final Pilot & Conference brought together technical experts, researchers, and policy stakeholders for a forward-looking discussion on the power of data in the fight against crime and terrorism.

Panel: Power of Data in Fighting Crime & Terrorism

A high-level panel explored the vital role of data governance, trust, and interoperability in modern security practices. Speakers emphasized:

• The need for responsible and ethical use of data in law enforcement and border management.
• The importance of building trust with citizens to ensure social legitimacy and transparency.
• Opportunities to enhance the operational efficiency of Passenger Information Units (PIUs) through smarter, integrated solutions.

Tools & Technical Session: Risk, AI & Intelligence

In a dedicated tools discussion, Transcrime, alongside EUROPEAN DYNAMICS, ICCS – NTUA, and SPACE HELLAS S.A., presented technical insights drawn from the development of TENACITy’s actionable intelligence tools and its Risk Management Framework for commercial flights.

Key points addressed:

• The persistent challenge of the ‘dark figure’ undetected or unreported crime within air travel contexts.
• The need for AI explainability and transparency in decision-making tools.
• Cross-sector collaboration gaps and the limited availability of behavioral data that hinder the accuracy of profiling and analysis.
• The complexities of integrating evidence-based risk indicators into operational workflows and decision-support systems.

These final reflections closed the event on a strong note, reaffirming TENACITy’s commitment to ethically grounded innovation and advancing the future of European security and travel intelligence.

Closing Remarks

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, consortium partners, Passenger Information Units (PIUs), Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the TENACITy Final Pilot & Conference.

We also thank the synergy projects MELCHIOR and FALCON for their valuable collaboration throughout the event, with the FALCON Project being presented during the closing sessions. Together, these efforts reinforce our shared commitment to advancing ethical innovation and strengthening the future of European security and travel intelligence.

Photo Gallery

The TENACITy project has been featured in the Greek professional magazine Security Manager, a leading publication focused on security technologies, risk management, and innovation. The article, titled “Travelling Intelligence Against Crime and Terrorism,” presents TENACITy’s objectives, technological approach and its contribution to enhancing cooperation in the fight against crime and terrorism across Europe. This coverage highlights TENACITy’s growing visibility within the European security ecosystem and its recognition by sectoral media beyond the consortium.

Read the full article on Security Manager’s website: https://www.securitymanager.gr/ergo-tenacity-quot-travelling-intelligence-against-crime-and-terrorism-quot/

English translation of the Greek press article
Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) use the data in their information systems as a basis for decision-making that affects the safety of European citizens.

According to a recent report by the European Court of Auditors on the use of EU information systems, it was found that different countries have varying perceptions and methodologies regarding data management. Officials from LEAs stated that not all datasets are included in their systems, while other data may be incomplete, inaccurate, or not entered in a timely manner. The same report notes that there are regulatory and “cultural” issues whereby some countries do not make all the functionalities offered by the EU’s central systems available through their national systems.

The TENACITy project aims to address these challenges by proposing a three-pillar approach:

(a) Modern and efficient tools for leveraging travel information data by security authorities: TENACITy proposes an interoperable open architecture for integrating and analyzing multiple types of transactional, historical, and behavioral data from various sources, harnessing transformative digital technologies.

(b) Training and awareness for LEA personnel: TENACITy foresees the design of a “living lab” to host hackathons and workshops for all relevant stakeholders who will benefit from the use of passenger data and the proposed digital technologies.

(c) A holistic approach to crime prevention: This will ensure that the proposed digital technologies support the detection of criminal and terrorist organizations’ modes of operation, while also involving policymakers in governance processes to explore how the new tools can provide fresh opportunities for shaping regulations.

IANUS’s role in the project

IANUS is the partner responsible for developing the Training Methodology and Training Platform within TENACITy.

In this context, IANUS coordinates the development of a comprehensive training methodology focused on the use of passenger information for combating terrorism and organized crime. This includes the design of specialized training curriculum supported by a dedicated e-learning platform for both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The quality of training is further enhanced through practical exercises, hackathons and an interactive Living Lab.

On April 1, 2025, the TENACITy project co-organised the FCT and Border Management Projects Clustering Workshop alongside FLEXI-cross, TENSOR, and ODYSSEUS. This workshop served as a platform to exchange knowledge, explore shared challenges, and align strategies for the responsible application of AI in security contexts.

The event brought together experts and stakeholders from all four projects to reflect on project progress, share lessons learned, and address technical, operational, and ethical challenges. Special attention was given to the ethical implications of AI in security, with participants discussing how to ensure AI technologies are both effective and aligned with EU values and principles.

An important conclusion from all the discussions was the necessity of strong standardization to guarantee uniformity in the application of AI across various security fields. This was identified as a key factor in ensuring interoperability, security, and ethical consistency in AI deployment.

A key outcome of the workshop was the identification of common challenges across projects, ranging from data protection and system interoperability to the lack of clear standardization frameworks. These findings will be captured in a joint White Paper, currently in development, which will outline key insights, practical recommendations, and policy considerations to guide future AI governance in the security domain.

The workshop marked an important step toward closer collaboration between Horizon Europe-funded projects working on AI and security. By aligning efforts and pooling expertise, the participating projects aim to contribute to a more unified and ethically sound approach to AI deployment.

TENACITy is proud to be part of this collective effort and looks forward to continuing this work through the upcoming White Paper, which will be shared with policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders in the coming months.

The 2nd TENACITy Living Lab Workshop took place on February 28, 2025, at the premises of EUROPEAN DYNAMICS, bringing together a diverse group of security experts, Passenger Information Units (PIUs), airline security officers, and technical partners. This collaborative event provided a dynamic space for hands-on tool validation, scenario-based exercises, and insightful discussions, all aimed at enhancing crime prevention and security operations across Europe.

Exploring Advanced Security Solutions

The workshop commenced with an overview of the TENACITy Project, outlining its core mission, objectives, and the goals of this Living Lab. Participants were introduced to the latest advancements in digital tools designed to support data-driven decision-making, risk assessment, and security monitoring. Following this, attendees engaged in a scenario presentation tailored for airline security officers, while PIUs took part in small-scale exercises to apply key intelligence methodologies to real-world travel security scenarios. These activities emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring a coordinated and effective response to security challenges.

Hands-On Testing & Technical Validation

One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was the hands-on session, where participants had the opportunity to test and validate the developed tools in practical, real-time applications. With live support from technical partners, attendees navigated through different functionalities, utilizing chat assistance, training materials, and user manuals to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each tool’s capabilities. The second phase of the workshop focused on PIU-specific scenario presentations, followed by a collaborative hands-on session where PIUs explored the interoperability and synergies between different tools. This session allowed participants to engage in interactive troubleshooting and refinement, further strengthening the operational readiness of the solutions.

Insights, Feedback & Future Improvements

The roundtable discussions and feedback sessions served as a crucial platform for exchanging insights, assessing the effectiveness and usability of the tools, and proposing enhancements for future iterations. Airline security officers provided constructive feedback to the PIU community, sharing observations on tool functionality, integration, and potential areas for improvement. Discussions centered around optimizing usability, streamlining workflows, and ensuring seamless data flow between security stakeholders. The workshop concluded with a final feedback session, where participants and technical experts consolidated their key takeaways, reinforcing the next steps for refining and implementing these digital security solutions in real-world operations.

A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Future

The 2nd TENACITy Living Lab Workshop underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in travel intelligence and security governance. By bringing together key stakeholders, this event fostered knowledge sharing, practical tool validation, and a collective commitment to strengthening security measures across Europe. We extend our gratitude to all participants and technical partners whose expertise and engagement were essential in shaping the successful completion of the 2nd TENACITy Living Lab. Your contributions were key to making the event a success and advancing innovation in travel intelligence and security.

The TENACITy Project was proudly represented at the Research and Innovation Symposium for European Security and Defence (RISE-SD 2024), held on 16–17 October 2024 in Chalkidiki, Greece. The symposium brought together leading voices from across Europe to explore innovative approaches to security in areas such as counter-terrorism, disaster response, infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity.

At this key event, the TENACITy team delivered a project presentation outlining:

• The challenge and motivation behind TENACITy
• Our vision for a smarter, values-based travel intelligence framework
• Progress made so far, including milestones from tool development, training, and stakeholder engagement

In addition to the presentation, TENACITy hosted a dedicated booth, where attendees were invited to explore the project’s goals, methodologies, and impacts through curated dissemination materials. The booth served as a valuable touchpoint for engaging directly with security professionals, researchers, and policy stakeholders.

This event was a meaningful opportunity to:

• Showcase the achievements of the TENACITy consortium
• Exchange insights with parallel EU-funded projects
• Build connections with experts working to enhance European security cooperation

We thank everyone who stopped by our booth and contributed to the conversation on improving travel intelligence systems for the benefit of law enforcement, policymakers and civil society alike.

An end user workshop has been organised in Cyprus this week at the premises of the Cyprus PIU. The topics addressed included: 

• Platform integration: Identifying approaches to integrate external platforms into our digital platform. 

• Use Case Discussion: Discussing potential refinements and updates in use cases to align them with common PIU operational practices and enhance validation processes. 

•  Living Lab exercises: Discussing the designing exercises to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among practitioners in the next Living Lab activities. 

We are currently exploring the feasibility of some interesting enhancements on the hand-on experience with the TENACITy platform in the next Living Lab for all practitioners in the traveling intelligence domain. The engagement of the end users is essential to identify innovation traits as focus points in our roadmap to deliver the final technology release of the TENACITy digital platform. 

On October 2–3, 2024, the TENACITy Consortium convened in Brno, Czech Republic, for the 3rd Plenary Meeting — a two-day in-person gathering that marked an important step in the project’s collaborative journey.

The meeting brought together all project partners to review progress across each Work Package, share technical insights, and ensure alignment on key priorities. Discussions focused on the latest developments in the project’s tools, governance frameworks, training strategies, and upcoming pilot activities. This in-depth exchange allowed partners to reflect on achievements, troubleshoot current challenges and collectively shape the path forward.

Key outcomes from the meeting included:

• Comprehensive updates on the progress and integration of TENACITy tools
• Planning for the upcoming pilot demonstrations and training sessions
• Strategic alignment on the final phase of the project, including dissemination and evaluation

These sessions were instrumental in fostering stronger cross-partner collaboration and maintaining momentum as TENACITy enters its final and most impactful phase.

A special thank you to our hosts and all participating partners for their contributions and commitment to strengthening travel intelligence and European security.