The 9th Security Union progress report, published today, highlights the recent steps taken to prevent terrorist financing through trafficking in cultural goods and improve the interoperability of EU information systems.
Based on a comprehensive assessment of EU security policy since 2001, the report also highlights the remaining gaps and challenges to be addressed. Incomplete implementation of existing policies remains a challenge, as do evolving threats such as radicalisation and cybercrime — which may require changes to existing instruments.
Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “In this rapidly changing security environment, we must intensify our efforts to deliver on all essential elements and work swiftly to achieve a genuine and effective Security Union. Fragmentation makes us all vulnerable. Unity and trust by enhancing cooperation and facilitating information exchange between our Member States is the only way for the EU to bring concrete added value and ensure the security and safety of European citizens.”
Commissioner for the Security Union Julian King said: “The Comprehensive Assessment fulfils a commitment I gave to the European Parliament to carry out a thorough review of the EU’s security policy – the first in 16 years. There are some important lessons, including the need for greater agility to respond to the evolving threat landscape. There will be an opportunity to discuss with Parliament in September.”
Steady progress on key files
Steady progress has been made in recent months, notably with new rules on trafficking in cultural goods proposed in July 2017, and agreement reached on a new Entry/Exit system to register entry and exit data of non-EU nationals crossing the EU’s external borders.
Work on countering radicalisation on the internet has been stepped up with an action plan of new measures set out to detect and remove illegal terrorist content online.
A renewed focus on soft target protection also saw Belgian and Dutch Special Forces simulate synchronised terrorist attacks on public schools. Supported by the Commission, the drill exercise provided valuable lessons on preparedness.
Addressing challenges and gaps in security policy
Today’s report looks back at 15 years of EU security policy and whilst the assessment is positive and confirms the relevance of the main instruments of EU security policy, it also identifies challenges and gaps. This includes the need to adjust existing policies and tools to respond to the evolving threat posed by terrorism, as also highlighted by the European Council conclusions of 22-23 June 2017 and the G20 Action Plan on Countering Terrorism of 7 July 2017.
