President Metsola,

Vice-Presidents,

Honourable Members,

Security is our task of the times.

The internal security strategy presented today is a blueprint for protecting Europeans in a more dangerous world.

The ProtectEU strategy aims to develop a unified security approach and a new mindset. We face threats that are hidden, not on battlefields but in financial systems and online. Our policy must match these challenges.

Security should be a part of all our initiatives, ensuring each proposal enhances citizen safety. It involves everyone: government, private sector, communities, and citizens.

Recent Europol assessments reveal sophisticated criminal networks operating within the EU, often managed remotely. Vulnerable people, including children, are exploited by traffickers. But Europe is ready to respond.

ProtectEU will upgrade Europol, enhance oversight, and support Member States. Well combat money laundering and improve law enforcement tools for investigations and data access.

We must engage internationally, forming security partnerships and pursuing security diplomacy, integrating security concerns in all dealings.

The rise of terrorism demands new tools to prevent radicalization and control borders. Frontexs role at external borders will expand significantly.

Divisions from Middle Eastern tensions have increased antisemitism and anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe. ProtectEU aims to safeguard religious freedom and social cohesion.

Hybrid strategies test societal resilience, often online. Tech companies must be accountable for harmful content.

Protecting children from abuse is crucial. This involves better data access to catch predators hiding online.

ProtectEU is ambitious, with unprecedented security initiatives. I seek your support as these threats unify us and strengthen our common purpose.

Thank you.