How will EU increase internal security?
In times of geopolitical uncertainty the EU will become more resistant to crisis.
The EU Commission has submitted a domestic security document. More intended data protection and strengthening of Europol.
« Our security environment has changed dramatically. Today’s threats are large, global and increasing in the digital world, » drew attention to Strazburg Henna Virkunen, vice presidents of the EU Commission.
She mentioned as examples of strong organized crime, terrorist networks, hybrid threats and attacks on critical infrastructure – often by hostile state actors. 64 percent of Europeans are concerned about security. They expect the EU to act, said the Finnish commissar, who is responsible for the EU Commission on Technical Sovereignty and Security.
Security strategy focuses on detection and prevention
The EU Commission’s response is the « Protectteu » strategy, which was introduced on Tuesday (01.04.2025). Previously the EU Commission stated how the EU aims to become more immune in the field of defense. The strategy presented Tuesday focuses on internal security.
To this end, this strategy emphasizes preliminary detection and prevention. In the future, the EU will regularly have internal risk analysis through more intense data exchange between secret services and Member States.
The EU also wants member states to be more immune to hybrid threats – such as Cyber attacks that paralyze hospitals or energy networks. Critical infrastructure should be better provided in the future through new rules that guarantee network safety.
According to the strategy document some of the most severe hybrid attacks have targeted European security and democracy through false information and illegal internet activities. Therefore, it is now intended that existing laws, such as the Law on Digital Services, be applied more rigorously.
Europol should be strengthened
In parallel there must be a tougher act and more staff in the fight against crime. The Frontex Border Protection Agency, which is responsible for the EU external borders, must be reinforced by about 10,000 employees currently at 30,000. Even the police authority, Europol, must be « massively strengthened, » the European Parliament told the Magnus Brunner.
The strategy document stated for 2026 a draft law to transform Europol into a « police operational authority ». Among other things, the technological knowledge and capacities of Europol will be strengthened to support national criminal prosecution authorities. EUROPOLI, meanwhile, supports member states in the fight against crime.
The security strategy contains a package of legal acts, the implementation of which requires further legal measures. /DW
