As stated by the SECURE FSTP guidelines, the SECURE project considers the network support of National Coordination Centres (NCCs) as an enabling element for the participation of companies in the project.
According to both [ECCC] Regulation (EU) 2021/887(*) and [CRA] Regulation (EU) 2024/2847(**), NCCs play a strategic role in bridging the gap for SMEs wishing to participate in cybersecurity actions funded by relevant EU programmes.
At this stage, most NCCs have expressed their support in carrying out eligibility checks. However, to ensure maximum transparency and to assist micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (mSMEs) in finalizing their applications, the SECURE project invites each mSME to contact the Point of Contact (PoC) of their respective NCC. This will allow applicants to receive the latest updates regarding the NCC's capacity to carry out the OCA for the FSTP SECURE call.
To find the correct PoC, please refer to the following page: https://cybersecurity-centre.europa.eu/nccs_en
*[ECCC] Regulation (EU) 2021/887 Article 7, point (c), explicitly entrusts NCCs with the role of promoting, encouraging, and facilitating the participation of industry stakeholders – especially start-ups and SMEs – in cross-border initiatives and cybersecurity actions funded by relevant EU programmes.
**[CRA] Regulation (EU) 2024/2847, point (127), states that NCCs play a key role in supporting SMEs by providing technical guidance, testing support, and tools that help companies meet the requirements of the Regulation.