PPHS Joined the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR)

Europe’s security and resilience depend increasingly on cooperation between the civil and defence spheres. Therefore, partnerships are becoming the roots from which lasting stability and innovation grow. The Polish Platform for Homeland Security (PPHS), long recognised for linking research, public institutions, and practitioners in the field of internal security, has now extended its reach into this broader European ecosystem by joining the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR).

This step marks not only a new phase in the organisation’s development but also a reflection of the times: as Europe works to integrate its approaches to defence, technology, and security, PPHS stands ready to contribute its experience and perspective to the collective effort. It is a fitting moment, arriving as PPHS celebrates its 20th anniversary—a milestone that stands as both a symbol of sustained growth and a living part of Europe’s evolving security landscape.

Like a tree that has taken firm root and flourished over time, PPHS has grown through the dedication of its team and partners. The Platform’s foundations in Poland’s national security framework have provided stability, while its engagement across Europe has nourished and expanded its reach. Just as a tree both benefits from and contributes to the ecosystem in which it grows, PPHS has thrived through collaboration—supporting and being supported by a rich network of institutions, practitioners, and European programmes.

Europe’s Evolving Defence Landscape

This growth has unfolded alongside Europe’s own transformation in the field of security and defence. This anniversary also comes at a moment of reflection for Europe itself. Over the past decade, the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) has evolved significantly, following the 2013 Communication that first called for closer links between civil security and defence and greater investment in dual-use research and innovation. This vision took clearer form through the EU Global Strategy (2016) and the subsequent establishment of PESCO and CARD, which together laid the foundations for a more integrated approach to defence cooperation.

From these roots grew today’s major instruments—the European Defence Fund (EDF) and Horizon Europe’s civil security research—together forming the fertile environment in which organisations such as PPHS grow and contribute.

Joining Forces through the ENDR

The inclusion of PPHS in the European Network of Defence-related Regions this year represents a new stage in that shared journey to foster innovation and cooperation between industry, academia, and public authorities. Established by the European Commission, ENDR connects regional authorities, clusters, research institutions, and companies active in the defence and dual-use technology sectors, supporting partnerships that strengthen Europe’s industrial base and resilience.

PPHS is proud to be one of only three Polish organisations within this network. For two decades, it has worked to strengthen the competencies of law enforcement agencies and public institutions responsible for security, while building bridges with the scientific community, private sector, and non-governmental organisations.

As Rashel Talukder, Managing Director of PPHS, notes:

“For 20 years, we have operated at the intersection of internal security — including cybersecurity — and both technological and organisational innovation. In light of the growing number of hybrid threats and the increasing importance of dual-use technologies, we have decided to become more active in the defence domain.

Our experience of working with law enforcement practitioners, while also focusing on civil protection and national civil defence, aligns well with the needs of the broader defence sector.

We aim to use the experience and skills gained through implementing both EU and national projects, and by bringing together academia, public administration and industry, to strengthen our engagement in the defence field. Expanding our activities towards defence and dual-use technologies is a natural step for us, reflecting the rapidly evolving political context and the growing importance of Europe’s resilience.”

PPHS’s extensive experience in delivering training, audits, and workshops further strengthens its contribution to ENDR by supporting educational and capacity-building initiatives across the network.

Today, PPHS participates in more than 20 national and European initiatives, including projects relevant to the European defence such as:

• SWARMER – developing a new generation of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems capable of operating in environments where GNSS is unavailable or disrupted (EDF);
• LINGUARISE-DC – harnessing natural language processing to enhance communication and information-sharing during military operations (EDF);
• COURAGOUS² – developing and standardising test methods for counter-drone systems. (ISF);
• EU-HYBNET – a European network uniting institutions and experts to counter hybrid threats (H2020);
• ENLETS – A network of law enforcement agencies addressing frontline policing and public protection, including countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (ISF).

PPHS also contributes nationally as a partner of the Sectoral Council for Competencies in Personnel and Property Security, shaping training and education pathways that meet the evolving needs of the security sector.

Growing Together for Europe’s Security

The organisation’s inclusion in ENDR symbolises a new branch of its development, one that stands strong on its own while remaining connected to the broader structure of collaboration that has sustained it.

As the European security environment continues to evolve—shaped by both opportunity and challenge—PPHS remains committed to contributing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and promoting resilience. The tree continues to grow: deeply rooted in Poland, nourished by European cooperation, and strengthening the shared canopy of Europe’s collective security.