Commission unveils ProtectEU – a new European Internal Security Strategy

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today, the European Commission is presenting ProtectEU – a European Internal Security Strategy to support Member States and bolster the EU’s ability to guarantee security for its citizens. The strategy sets out an ambitious vision and workplan for the years to come, with a sharper legal toolbox, increased information sharing and deeper cooperation.

In a changed security environment and an evolving geopolitical landscape, wherehybrid threats by hostile foreign states and state-sponsored actors are growing, where powerful organised crime networks are proliferating and criminals and terrorists are operating increasingly online, Europe needs to review its approach to internal security. Announced by President von der Leyen in the political guidelines, the Strategy will upgrade the Union’s response to new and traditional threats to internal security.

The Strategy aims to foster a change of culture on internal security, with a whole of society approach involving citizens, businesses, researchers and civil society. Security aspects will be mainstreamed in the development of new initiatives, and a new European internal security governance framework will support the implementation of the Strategy.

As Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: “Safety is one of the key prerequisites for open, vibrant societies and a flourishing economy. That’s why we are launching today an important initiative to better tackle security threats like terrorism, organised crime, surging cybercrime and attacks against our critical infrastructure. We will strengthen Europol and give law enforcement up-to-date tools to fight crime. But also researchers, businesses and even citizens can contribute to greater safety for all.”

The European Internal Security Strategy complements the Preparedness Union Strategy and the European Defence White Paper. Together with the forthcoming European Democracy Shield, they form a comprehensive framework for a safe, secure and resilient EU.

Key objectives and actions

A new European internal security governance

The new threat landscape requires a change in mindset and an upgraded EU approach to internal security:

• Identifying security and preparedness implications of Commission initiatives from the start and throughout the negotiation process,
• Regular threat analyses related to internal security to support the work of the Security College and exchanges in the Council,
• Regular reporting to the European Parliament and the Council to track and support the implementation of key initiatives.

Anticipating security threats through new ways of sharing intelligence

As security starts with effective anticipation, the EU must rely on high-quality situational awareness and threat analysis:

• Develop regular overviews of the EU internal security threat landscape, building on various risk and threat assessments done notably by EU agencies,
• Enhance intelligence-sharing by Member States with the EU’s Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC),
• Ensure better information sharing by Member States with EU agencies and bodies.

More effective tools for law enforcement and stronger JHA agencies

Law enforcement needs the right tools to be effective. And with 85% of criminal investigations relying on digital information, this includes lawful access to data:

• A new mandate for Europol to turn it into a truly operational police agency to reinforce support to Member States,
• Strengthening Frontex, Eurojust and ENISA and ensuring close cooperation between agencies,
• Enhancing operational capabilities with a new Critical Communication system to allow for cross border communication between different authorities,
• A Roadmap on lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement,
• A Technology Roadmap on encryption, and an impact assessment with a view to updating the EU’s data retention rules.

Building resilience against hybrid threats

The EU must enhance its resilience against hybrid threats by protecting critical infrastructure, reinforcing cybersecurity and combatting online threats:

• Member States to fully implement the CER and NIS2 Directives,
• A new Cybersecurity Act, and new measures to secure cloud and telecom services and developing technological sovereignty,
• Measures to reduce dependencies on single foreign suppliers and de-risk our supply chains from high-risk suppliers including revision of procurement rules,
• Reinforce the security of transport hubs, with an EU Ports Strategy, and new reporting systems to strengthen aviation security, transport and supply chains,
• An Action Plan against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.  

Fighting serious and organised crime

Stronger rules are needed to fight organised crime networks. Law enforcement must be able to go after their money. Children must be better protected from organised crime:

• A new legal framework on organised crime, with stronger rules on investigations,
• A new Strategy and Action Plan on Drugs and Drugs Trafficking,
• An Action Plan on the Protection of Children against Crime,
• Strengthening the ‘Follow the Money’ approach, including by full transposition of the new rules on asset recovery and confiscation,
• New legislation against firearms trafficking; new EU Strategies on Trafficking in Human Beings and on Victims’ Rights.

Combatting terrorism and violent extremism

With the terrorist threat level in the EU remaining high, the EU needs to be well equipped to anticipate threats, prevent radicalisation, protect citizens and respond to attacks:

• A new EU Agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism,
• A new toolbox to prevent radicalization,
• Feasibility study for a new EU-wide system to track terrorist financing.

The EU as a strong global player on security

To counteract the impact of global instability, the EU needs to actively defend its security interests beyond its borders, by boosting international cooperation on security and:

• Strengthening partnerships with key regions such as Latin America and the Mediterranean region,
• Concluding international agreements by Europol and Eurojust including to establish joint operational teams with local law enforcement authorities,
• Strengthening information exchange with trusted third countries,
• Completing the revision of the Visa Suspension Mechanism and addressing security considerations in the upcoming Visa Strategy.

Background

The Commission, together with Europol, ensured that the Internal Security Strategy actions are backed by evidence from the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA). The assessment presented on 18 March highlights priority crime areas and key threats that the EU faces for the next four years.