Here’s the translation in American English:
The initiative aims to anticipate hybrid threats, strengthen police capabilities, and protect critical infrastructures against cyberattacks, organized crime, and terrorism.
In an international context marked by hybrid threats, increasing cybercrime, and increasingly sophisticated organized crime networks, the European Commission has officially presented ProtectEU, its new Internal Security Strategy. This ambitious roadmap aims to enhance the capabilities of Member States and ensure the safety of European citizens through more effective legal tools, increased cooperation, and intelligence sharing.
As explained by the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, “Security is one of the fundamental requirements for open societies, dynamic economies, and prosperous communities. That is why we are launching this important initiative today to better address threats such as terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and attacks on critical infrastructures.”
A New Governance Approach to Address Complex Threats
ProtectEU proposes a profound transformation of the European approach to internal security. Among its key measures is the establishment of a new governance framework, which will include:
- Regular threat assessments to inform legislative decisions.
- Integration of security considerations into new initiatives from the outset.
- Periodic reports to the European Parliament and the Council to monitor implementation.
The strategy promotes a cross-cutting vision in which not only police bodies participate, but also citizens, businesses, researchers, and civil society.
Europol, Frontex, and Eurojust: More Competencies and Tools
With 85% of criminal investigations based on digital information, the Commission seeks to equip Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies with new capabilities:
- A new mandate for Europol to transform it into a true operational police agency.
- Strengthening Frontex, Eurojust, and ENISA, and fostering greater cooperation among them.
- Deployment of a critical communication system for cross-border coordination.
- A technological roadmap on data access and encryption, and possible revision of data retention rules.
Cybersecurity and Hybrid Threats: A Priority Focus
ProtectEU gives particular emphasis to resilience against hybrid threats, including:
- Full implementation of the CER directives (resilience of critical entities) and NIS2 (security of networks and systems).
- A new Cybersecurity Law and measures to secure cloud services and telecommunications.
- Diversification of suppliers to reduce dependency on high-risk foreign actors.
- Specific strategies to enhance security at ports, airports, and supply chains.
- An action plan against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism
The strategy includes new tools to combat serious crime:
- An updated legal framework against organized crime and arms trafficking.
- A new strategy on drugs and human trafficking.
- Strengthening the “Follow the Money” approach for the recovery of criminal assets.
- A plan to protect children from crime and exploitation.
- A European agenda to prevent violent extremism and terrorism, including a feasibility study on a common system for monitoring terrorist financing.
International Dimension: A Strong EU Beyond Its Borders
The strategy also strengthens international cooperation, with a particular focus on Latin America and the Mediterranean. Among the planned actions are:
- New operational agreements between Europol and Eurojust with foreign authorities.
- Information sharing with trusted third countries.
- Review of the visa suspension mechanism to incorporate security criteria.
Institutional Statements
In addition to Von der Leyen, other prominent figures have supported the initiative:
- Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President for Technological Sovereignty and Democracy, stated: “Security is a prerequisite for democracy and prosperous economies. We will be bold and proactive.”
- Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, emphasized: “In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, security is the task of our time.”
A Comprehensive Framework for a Secure Environment
ProtectEU complements other recent initiatives such as the Preparedness Union, the European Defense White Paper, and the upcoming European Democracy Shield. Together, they form a comprehensive architecture for a safer, more resilient, and prepared European Union in the face of 21st-century challenges.
Source: European Commission