The European Commission has introduced ProtectEU, a comprehensive European Internal Security Strategy aimed at strengthening the security of EU citizens. The strategy lays out a roadmap for the coming years, enhancing legal frameworks, improving intelligence-sharing, and deepening cooperation among Member States.
Announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the strategy points out the importance of safety in maintaining open societies and thriving economies. “We are launching an important initiative to better tackle security threats like terrorism, organized crime, surging cybercrime, and attacks against our critical infrastructure. We will strengthen Europol and equip law enforcement with modern tools, but also engage researchers, businesses, and citizens to contribute to security,” she said.
ProtectEU Strategy: A Holistic Approach to Security
The new strategy promotes a whole-of-society approach, engaging various stakeholders, including businesses, researchers, and civil society. Security considerations will be integrated into new policy initiatives, supported by a new European internal security governance framework.
This initiative aligns with the Preparedness Union Strategy and the European Defence White Paper. Alongside the forthcoming European Democracy Shield, these efforts form a cohesive framework to ensure a safe and resilient Europe.
Key Objectives and Actions
1. Enhanced Internal Security Governance
The EU will adopt a more proactive stance on security by:
- Assessing security implications in Commission initiatives from the outset.
- Conducting regular threat analyses to inform decision-making.
- Providing regular reports to the European Parliament and Council to track implementation progress.
2. Improved Intelligence Sharing
To anticipate security threats more effectively, the EU will:
- Develop comprehensive overviews of internal security risks.
- Strengthen intelligence-sharing with the EU’s Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC).
- Improve Member States’ information-sharing with EU security agencies.
3. Empowering Law Enforcement and Justice Agencies
Recognizing the increasing reliance on digital data in criminal investigations, the EU plans to:
- Expand Europol’s mandate, making it a fully operational police agency.
- Strengthen cooperation between Frontex, Eurojust, and ENISA.
- Introduce a new Critical Communication System for cross-border law enforcement collaboration.
- Develop a Technology Roadmap on encryption and assess updates to data retention regulations.
4. Strengthening Cybersecurity and Hybrid Threat Resilience
To counteract cyber threats and secure critical infrastructure, the EU will:
- Ensure full implementation of the CER and NIS2 Directives.
- Introduce a new Cybersecurity Act and security measures for cloud and telecom services.
- Reduce dependency on high-risk foreign suppliers and revise procurement rules.
- Enhance security at transport hubs with a new EU Ports Strategy and aviation security measures.
- Implement an Action Plan against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats.
5. Combating Organized Crime
The strategy seeks to disrupt criminal networks and protect vulnerable groups by:
- Establishing a new legal framework for investigating organized crime.
- Launching a Strategy and Action Plan on Drugs and Drug Trafficking.
- Introducing an Action Plan on the Protection of Children against Crime.
- Strengthening asset recovery and money-tracking mechanisms.
- Introducing new legislation against firearms trafficking and human trafficking.
6. Counterterrorism and Prevention of Radicalization
With the EU facing a persistent terrorist threat, the strategy includes:
- A new EU Agenda on Preventing and Countering Terrorism.
- A toolbox to prevent radicalization.
- A feasibility study for an EU-wide system to track terrorist financing.
7. Global Security Engagement
To mitigate external security risks, the EU will:
- Strengthen partnerships with Latin America and the Mediterranean region.
- Enable Europol and Eurojust to establish joint operational teams with foreign law enforcement.
- Enhance information-sharing with trusted third countries.
- Revise the Visa Suspension Mechanism to incorporate security considerations.
Challenges and Political Considerations
A report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö highlighted institutional, legal, and political challenges hindering security coordination. The report stressed that the success of ProtectEU depends on the political commitment of Member States, warning that diverging priorities and short-term political interests could hamper its implementation.
The European Commission also acknowledged gaps in cybersecurity enforcement, as some Member States have yet to fully implement existing cybersecurity laws. The new Cybersecurity Act aims to address these gaps, reinforcing digital defenses across the EU.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the importance of a unified approach, stating, “Today, we face increasing security threats and hybrid attacks. Our strategy aims to build a comprehensive threat response, increase citizen risk awareness, and strengthen civil-military cooperation.”
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, reinforced the need for decisive action: “Security is essential for democracy and economic prosperity. This strategy sets a vision for a safer, stronger EU by leveraging technology, enhancing cybersecurity, and reinforcing our capabilities.”
Implementation and Next Steps
The Preparedness Union Strategy will be executed through 30 planned actions, including:
- Fostering a culture of preparedness and societal resilience.
- Revising the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
- Proposing a stockpiling strategy for critical supplies.
- Strengthening diplomatic engagement on resilience and preparedness.
- Enhancing cooperation with NATO and other international partners.
The strategy builds upon key EU initiatives, including the Internal Security Strategy, the White Paper for European Defence, the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy, the Critical Medicines Act, the European Democracy Shield, and the Union of Skills.
To Wrap Up
With ProtectEU, the European Commission has set an ambitious course to modernize and reinforce the Union’s security framework.
While challenges remain, the success of this strategy will depend on the collective efforts of Member States, EU agencies, and external partners. As Europe faces a rapidly evolving security landscape, ProtectEU marks a decisive step toward a more secure and stable Union.
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