INTERCEPT was conceived to enhance the capabilities of EU LEAs by providing effective means to remotely and safely stop vehicles that present imminent and high-level threats. The project seeks to identify technological gaps, address vulnerabilities, and improve security efficiency. By doing so, it contributes directly to the protection of citizens and society, reducing risks for officers while ensuring respect for European societal values, ethics, and fundamental rights.
From the beginning, INTERCEPT has been built as a collaborative ecosystem, bringing together police forces, public authorities, and security technology experts. This network has been expanded to include public buyers, fostering the joint sharing of risks, investments, and validation approaches in the development of innovative solutions. The consortium involves seven end-users from seven EU countries, all of whom are also public buyers. They are supported by four specialist partners: two homeland security experts and networks of end-users (PPHS and KEMEA), one legal and innovation procurement expert (CORVERS), and one technical and project management expert (DIGINNOV). This structure is further reinforced by the User Observatory Group (UOG), which brings in additional end-users and practitioners, many of whom have expressed formal interest in future joint procurement activities.
The project follows a progressive and iterative approach to identify and address a common security challenge. Beginning with the definition of ten use cases, refined to six, and then narrowed to three, the process highlights critical gaps between existing solutions, processes, and operational needs. A comprehensive technological analysis – integrating legal, societal, ethical, and environmental considerations – supports further refinement, leading to one final use case and the definition of a common challenge to be addressed in a future PCP. This process also informs the development of the first set of tender documents, ensuring a strong basis for future procurement.
