CEF Projects

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CEF is a key EU financial instrument, the main objective of which is to provide financial assistance for projects developing trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital services.  

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Croatia Control partakes in numerous projects co-funded by the EU and has drawn significant funds from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in the period from 2014 to 2024 to support its development projects. This amounts to a total of 52 million euros, with co-funding of up to 34.5 million euros (66% on average).

In most of the projects, CCL participated in cooperation with its foreign partners through joint applications coordinated by the SDM or directly through applications to INEA (later CINEA). The aim of those projects is to follow and implement state-of-the-art technology, which primarily refers to the continuous and intense modernization of the main air traffic management system.

CINEA – The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency implements parts of the EU funding programs for transport, energy and climate policy. It succeeded the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) on April 1, 2021.

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CEF Call 2022 Projects

ASM SWIM

The project aims to further accelerate the implementation of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116, and in particular the AF 5.3.1 sub-family – Aeronautical Information Exchange, here related to airspace management (ASM). The project is established on the basis of a multi-stakeholder consortium (led by Eurocontrol) that helps to define a harmonized approach for the implementation of SWIM ASM services across Europe.

The project will harmonize the exchange of ASM data by ensuring that:

  • local ASM systems use airspace structure data from NM B2B services,
  • airspace availability data (AUP/UUP) is transferred from local ASM support systems to NM via B2B,
  • real-time airspace status information is provided via SWIM services,
  • real-time airspace status is retrieved from local ASM support systems and displayed on the CWP,
  • cross-border ARES information is provided via SWIM services,
  • cross-border ARES information is consumed and made available in the local ASM system.

When completed, the project will improve civil-military cooperation and increase safety and capacity by using optimal trajectories, which will reduce CO2 emissions.

Deadline: December 31, 2025.

CEF Call 2017 Projects

Implementing Harmonized SWIM (Y) Solution in COOPANS ANSPs and General PCP Compliance

The project prepared all COOPANS ANSPs for the paradigm of Trajectory Management by implementing the SWIM Yellow profile infrastructure. It included the necessary cyber security solutions as well as pilot services (Ext AMAN).

The initiative ensured qualified functional experts to further develop the SWIM services and the preparation of the SWIM Blue profile initiative to be implemented at a later stage.

The project is completed.

CEF Call 2016 Projects

VCS-IP – Upgrade of Voice Communication Systems to Support ATM VoIP Communications

In the course of this project, all of the CCL’s main, backup and simulator VCSs had been upgraded to allow IP-based connectivity in the G/G and A/G voice communication domain.

Systems procured in the period from 2012 to 2014 were upgraded to VoIP by changing the system software release, followed by the replacement of the monitoring and control subsystem and the integration of additional VoIP hardware. 

The Zagreb ACC Back Voice Communication System (BVCS) was an older generation system which could only be extended by an additional media gateway (MGW) to mediate between the legacy type of BVCS interfaces and an IP network.

The upgraded systems provide telephone connectivity with VoIP compliant VCSs and an easy integration of all IP-based VHF/UHF radios needed for the management of a dynamic airspace configuration.

The project is completed.

Modernization of IP-based G/G Data Network in CCL – CaRT/iWAN-NG – Phase II – Implementation

The CaRT/iWAN-NG project aimed to upgrade the existing national IP-based ground-ground data communication network in order to support the exchange of information (SWIM) in line with the new European standards on information exchange and services, which enabled the advanced QoS functionality to support VoIP-based voice communications.

The scope of this project included the second, implementation phase, which encompassed the supply and installation of a new national IP-based ground-ground data communication network in line with the detailed design recommendation from the first phase. 

The implementation phase comprised a detailed validated system design for the network, the delivery of hardware and software, installation, set-up, integration and training of CCL personnel.

The project is completed.

FAB CE-wide Study of DAM and STAM

FAB CE launched the DAM/STAM project to improve the ASM processes and Dynamic Airspace Management (DAM) in the FAB CE area of responsibility.

The aim of the DAM/STAM project was to progress FAB CE towards full compliance with the Single European Sky Deployment Plan through the application of short-term air traffic management measures (STAMs) and the increased application of the flexible use of airspace (FUA) processes. 

The scope of this project included a study to determine a high-level operational concept for DAM/STAM in FAB CE and to define a roadmap for its future implementation. FAB CE was the lead on this project. 

The project is completed. 

DLS Implementation Project – Path 1 “Ground” Stakeholders

The project was a part of the common application “SESAR Deployment Program implementation 2016 – Cluster 1: General” coordinated by the SESAR Deployment Manager.

The project focused on the implementation of the multifrequency (MF) capability of the Data Link System (DLS) which enabled the optimization of the channel workload and ensured the best performance ratio to support the increase of air traffic flows and avoid the frequency congestion. 

The project deployed multifrequency networks at country/regional level. 

15 organizations were included in the project, with ENAIRE as the coordinator.

The project is completed.đ

DLS Implementation Project – Path 2

The project aimed at supporting the SDM in the identification and provision of an overall deployment picture of the Target Solution. 

In particular, the Path 2 activities supported the SDM in:

  • defining the Service Areas
  • defining the Service Design and Technical architecture at the European level
  • elaborating a Business Case study for the Target Solution
  • analyzing the Services to be provided by the Model D (Target Solution)
  • defining a European Common DLS Governance.

26 organizations were included in the project, with ENAIRE as the coordinator.

The project is completed.

eGAFOR

Low Level Flying (LLF) is the most critical part of aviation in terms of safety. Flights at low altitudes are particularly vulnerable to all hazardous meteorological phenomena. The meteorological (MET) support for LLF in Europe has been very fragmented and inconsistent, as a consequence of poorly defined MET services for LLF in the ICAO Annex 3.

The project idea was based on the cooperation among MET service providers in Central and Southeast Europe. 

The ultimate goal was to provide the LLF user with a consolidated and harmonized MET service for a flight planned over several states.

The project covered a large area that will include GAFOR routes for which GAFOR forecasts will be issued in a consolidated way.

8 organizations were included in the project, with Croatia Control as the coordinator.

The project is completed.

Visit the eGAFOR website for more information.

CEF Call 2015 Projects

VARP – VoIP ATC Radio Project

The VARP project aimed to implement a modern IP-based VHF/UHF radio network in order to support a flexible configuration of sectors. The intention was to replace obsolete radio equipment and increase the overall capacity of the radio system used at the Zagreb ACC.

The new radio system is IP-based, so the limitations of the existing radio network in dynamic rerouting have been addressed. 

Sector delegation between ACCs is possible with the use of IP-based equipment.  After the project implementation, the controller working positions now support an operating environment that is better suited for dynamic airspace management and the free route concept.

The project is completed.

Modernization of IP-based G/G Data Network in CCL – CaRT/iWAN-NG

The CaRT/iWAN-NG project aimed to upgrade the existing national IP-based ground – ground data communication network in order to support information exchange (SWIM) in line with the new European standards on information exchange and services, as well as to enable an advanced QoS functionality to support VoIP-based voice communications.

The scope of this project was the first, preparatory phase of the Implementation Project. It included consultancy services for the development of a detailed design recommendation for a national data network and WAN transport infrastructure validated through the Proof of Concept testing, and it preceded the actual implementation phase of the project.

The preparatory phase provided enough information to perform a more thorough estimation of the implementation phase scope, timeline and costs (to be used for the next CEF Call application). 

The deliverables had also provided technical requirements for the upcoming tendering process for the project implementation phase.

The project is completed.

CCL Cyber Security Architecture – ExCO-NG

The ExCO-NG (External Connections Next Generation) project aimed to implement the cyber security architecture that would enable an acceptable level of security while supporting the iSWIM information exchange via an IP-based network by the SWIM-enabled ATM systems.

Initial System Wide Information Management (iSWIM) supports the exchange of information delivered through an Internet Protocol (IP) based network. 

The result is an increase in IP interconnectedness in ATM across Europe, creating a strong requirement for appropriate cyber security measures. The existing cyber security architecture (ExCO) could not fully support the SWIM environment and therefore it needed to be upgraded. 

This project addressed the cyber security component of SWIM implementation and was a prerequisite for implementing the Aeronautical Information Exchange Service (PCP, Family 5.3.1) in CCL.

The project is completed.

SEAFRA H24 Simulation

The SEAFRA H24 project aimed to extend the existing night cross-border SEAFRA (South East Axis Free Route Airspace) to an H24 cross-border SEAFRA.

The simulation provided enough data to implement the concept safely. SEAFRA H24 enables airspace users to fly optimized routes, without the constraints of a fixed-route network. 

To provide the optimum operational solution for SEAFRA H24, a reorganization of airspace was done by defining the Area of Common Interest with adjacent FIRs. 

The project started by preparing the simulation, and it included a real-time simulation, followed by the analysis of simulated data and implementation. 

The implementation was performed based on simulation conclusions and the analysis which was done both during and after the simulation. 

The project was developed with all stakeholders in mind.

The project is completed.

Harmonization of Technical ATM Platform in 5 ANSPs Including Support of FRA and Preparation of PCP Program (COOPANS B3.3, B3.4 and B3.5)

This project included: 

  • harmonized system solutions for the implementation of the AF 3 Free Route Airspace
  • a harmonized Basic AMAN solution for AF 1 as a common baseline for DP v1 
  • a standardized HMI within COOPANS, which is also aligned with other European HMI programs 
  • preparation for the implementation of SWIM through an increase in cyber security.

The end product ensured financial efficiency in implementing the PCP program on a common basis, in order to minimize deviations that needed to be considered for each PCP element.

The project is completed.

NewPENS – Stakeholders’ Contribution for the Procurement and Deployment of NewPENS

Today, PENS provides a common IP-based network service across the European region, covering data and voice communication and providing efficient support to existing services and new requirements that are emerging from future ATM concepts. 

In 2015, a Common Procurement Agreement was reached among 34 ANSPs, including Naviair and EUROCONTROL, defining the principles and supporting governance structure to procure and provide the New Pan-European Network Services (NewPENS Service), which would replace PENS in 2018. 

The project is completed.

Implementation of the A-SMGCS System at Zagreb International Airport

The overall objective of the project was to implement an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) at Zagreb International Airport. 

Since the existing tower technology at Zagreb Airport was not sufficient, the project provided a proper technological solution for traffic management to follow the planned traffic growth in a safe and efficient way.

The implementation of A-SMGCS aimed at providing surveillance, guidance and control of aircraft and vehicles on the airport maneuvering area and maintaining the declared surface movement rate in all weather conditions. 

It increases capacity, throughput and flight efficiency, as well as brings environmental benefits, increased safety and cost effectiveness.

The project is completed.

Convergence of DSNA and COOPANS ATM Systems Step 1B (CODACAS 1B) – Cohesion Part

The CODACAS 1B objective was to set the base for a common core of ATM Systems used by DSNA and all COOPANS partners: the CODACAS Coflight Centered Common Core (C5).

Project tasks included defining the common core, assessing its technical, operational and financial feasibility as well as planning its procurement and integration into the partners’ ATM systems.

The project is completed.

CEF Call 2014 Projects

Free Route Airspace from the Black Forest to the Black Sea

The project was a part of the common application “DP Implementation – CEF Call 2014” coordinated by the SESAR Deployment Manager.

FAB CE was the lead on this project.

The key benefit of the project was to perform a study defining the operational and technical pre-conditions to implement the FAB CE Free Route Airspace, including the Concept of Operations, necessary validation exercises, required development and requirements upgrade of the FAB CE members’ ATM systems.

The project is completed.

Speeding up Harmonization and Convergence of ATM

This action was a part of the global project which aimed at achieving higher levels of harmonization and standardization in the COOPANS Alliance by further developing the COOPANS ATM system platform.

The scope was to implement four COOPANS software upgrades to improve capacity, safety and environmental effects in a cost-effective way. 

It included:

  • the optimization of CPDLC operations 
  • a solution for harmonized AMAN (Arrival Manager) training 
  • improved processing and interoperability for OLDI 
  • a study to assess the possibility for harmonizing all COOPANS partners towards a common HMI.

The project is completed.