ProtectEU: Commission presents new counterterrorism agenda

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

Today, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism, setting out the way forward to reinforce Europe’s collective response to evolving terrorist and violent extremist threats.

The EU has strengthened its response to terrorism and violent extremism over the past decade. However, the evolving nature of these threats requires an adapted and stronger response. A flagship initiative under the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU, the agenda puts forward a comprehensive set of cross sectoral initiatives to step up preparedness and response, better protecting people and businesses in the EU from harm.

The growing misuse of digital and new technologies, from social media and artificial intelligence to 3D-printed weapons and drones, is reshaping terrorist activity. At the same time, radicalisation of minors is rising, with young people increasingly targeted online. Geopolitical developments and the involvement of state and non-state actors further deteriorate the threat landscape.

The Commission proposes to increase the EU’s foresight and resilience, to enhance the security of people online and offline, and step up cooperation with international partners. The agenda proposes measures to meet these objectives across six key pillars:

1. Anticipating threats

Security relies on effective ability to anticipate. The agenda proposes measures to improve situational awareness and the early detection of emerging threats, such as:

• increasing the resources and capacities of intelligence analysis at EU level, called Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC);
• reinforcing Europol’s analytical support capacities, including open-source intelligence (OSINT) capabilities;
• strengthening security research on emerging technologies (including AI, crypto-assets, drones, and 3D-printed weapons), with dedicated calls under Horizon Europe and the EU Internal Security Fund.

2. Preventing radicalisation

Preventing radicalisation remains the most effective long-term strategy. The agenda proposes measures to strengthen early prevention and tailored interventions for those most at risk. This includes:

• a Prevention Toolbox created by the Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation, to provide practical tools for countering the radicalisation of minors;
• A €5 million Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme supporting projects that focus on early prevention of radicalisation, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, digital resilience and community cohesion.

3. Protecting people online

The online ecosystem remains central for terrorist and violent extremist activity, including propaganda, recruitment, incitement to violence, fundraising and broadcasting of attacks. The Commission will:

• consider revising the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, based on its evaluation in 2026 and rigorously enforce the Digital Services Act;
• strengthen voluntary cooperation with online service providers through the EU Internet Forum, to expedite the removal of terrorist content and reduced space for online radicalisation and recruitment;
• upgrade the EU Crisis Protocol into an EU Online Crisis Response Framework to enhance cooperation between law enforcement authorities and online service providers at an early stage before a crisis fully emerges. 

4. Protecting people in the physical environment

The agenda sets out to increase the security of people, public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks.

To enhance the detection and monitoring of individuals posing a terrorist threat to the EU, the Commission will:

• propose a way forward on a ‘post-hit procedure’, in the context of the evaluation of the Schengen Information System. This will encourage sharing of information on terrorism-related alerts in the Schengen Information System with volunteering Member States;
• explore options to expand the framework on advanced travel information to include private flights, maritime, and land transport (which is currently limited to commercial air transport).

In addition, to strengthen the security of public spaces and critical infrastructure, the Commission:

• is investing €30 million in projects aimed at improving the overall security of public spaces, and
• willstrengthen the EU Protective Security Advisory Programme both financially and operationally, to meet the growing demand by Member States for support in conducting vulnerability assessments of public spaces and critical infrastructures.

5. Responding to threats and attacks

A swift and effective response to terrorist threats and attacks requires strong law enforcement and judicial cooperation, including stepping up the fight against terrorism financing and the potential misuse of EU funds for promoting extremism and terrorism. The Agenda aims to:

• improve the tracking of terrorist financing, including through cryptocurrencies and online payments with a future EU Financial Data Retrieval System;
• revise Europol and Eurojust’s mandates which will also strengthen operational and judicial support to Member States in combatting terrorism;
• implement the Roadmap on lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement, to ensure faster and more coordinated investigations and prosecutions.

6. Cooperation with international partners

Stronger global cooperation with trusted partner countries is essential to step up the fight against terrorism. Key actions include:

• strengthening Europol and Eurojust’s external cooperation on counterterrorism with third countries;
• strengthening Europol’s cooperation with trusted partners to obtain data on individuals posing a terrorist threat;
• deeper cooperation with enlargement partners and partners in the Mediterranean region. This includes implementing the Joint Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism with the Western Balkans and increasing the activities of the Knowledge Hub in these countries.