Commission presents ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy

On 1 April, the Commission presented ProtectEU – the European Internal Security Strategy, which sets out the objectives and actions for the next years to ensure a safer and more secure Europe.

The ProtectEU Strategy aims to increase the capabilities of EU Member States to protect societies and democracies from online and offline threats from terrorists, criminals, and hostile foreign actors. Furthermore, it will guarantee that security implications are considered in all future EU policies.

In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, security is the task of our times. This demands a change in our mindset. The ProtectEU Strategy will help foster a new EU security culture and equip us with better means of anticipating, preventing and responding to threats to our internal security.

Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration

The Strategy will:

• Be based on regular EU internal security threat assessments: The Commission will identify main security challenges, including threats related to terrorism, organised crime, cyber-related threats, and hybrid threats.
• Strengthen security capabilities: The Commission will expand the operational capacities of its agencies, including Europol, Eurojust, and Frontex. A European Critical Communication System will be developed to facilitate exchange of sensitive information and enhance cooperation among first responders such as police and ambulances.
• Foster resilience against hybrid threats and other hostile acts by enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure, reinforcing cybersecurity, securing transport hubs and ports and combatting online threats.
• Protect against serious and organised crime and terrorism: The Commission will enhance the EU’s capacity to combat organised crime and terrorism through proposals to modernise rules on organised crime, harmonise firearms laws, and strengthen the European Investigation Order.
• Boost operational cooperation through partnerships with key regions. The Commission will further reinforce agreements between partner countries and Europol and Eurojust, allowing to set up joint operational teams.

Find out more:

ProtectEU: the European Internal Security Strategy

Internal Security

Press release

Factsheet

Questions and answers