COM ADOPTS EUROPEAN INTERNAL SECURITY STRATEGY
On 2 April, the European Commission presented ProtectEU, a new European internal security strategy aimed at strengthening the EU’s resilience against security threats. The strategy promotes a whole-of-society approach, engaging citizens, businesses, researchers, and civil society in enhancing security across key sectors.
The strategy highlights the crucial role of maritime ports, airports, and land transport infrastructure as vital entry and exit points for the EU. However, these hubs are increasingly targeted by external threats and criminal activities, including recent aviation cargo security breaches. To address these challenges, the Commission will work with Member States to amend existing implementing legislation on aviation security, particularly for sharing classified information on security incidents. It will also explore regulatory measures to counter emerging threats, reinforce aviation security standards, and enhance crisis response mechanisms while maintaining the EU’s one-stop security system at airports.
In the maritime sector, the upcoming EU Ports Strategy, building on the EU Ports Alliance—of which CLECAT is a member—aims to strengthen port security legislation, harmonise national practices, and enhance background checks. The Commission also plans to work with Member States and industry stakeholders to extend security protocols from air cargo to maritime supply chains, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to transport security. Further measures include the establishment of the proposed EU Customs Authority to assess risks related to goods entering, exiting, and transiting the EU, preventing the exploitation of international supply chains.
The strategy also recognises the importance of supply chain resilience, underscoring the need to reduce Europe’s reliance on third-country technologies. The Commission aims to de-risk supply chains by reducing dependencies on single foreign suppliers and securing critical infrastructure. This will involve promoting an industrial policy for internal security, working with EU industries in key sectors such as transport hubs and critical infrastructure to develop security solutions.
Source: European Commission