Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen:

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Today, we launch an ambitious European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU, to address evolving threats. Commissioner Brunner and I will outline this strategy and answer your questions.

Europe has long been a beacon of freedom and security, grounded in the rule of law and shared values. However, the security landscape is changing with increasing global and online threats.

From organized crime and terrorism to hybrid threats and infrastructure sabotage, often by hostile state actors, our response must be unified and strong.

The Internal Security Strategy is our response, marking a significant milestone in EUs defense and security.

With strategies like the White Paper on Defense and the Preparedness Union Strategy, ProtectEU sets the vision for a safe and resilient EU.

We have achieved much, yet the complexity of threats requires us to advance further.

This strategy provides a clear workplan to enhance resilience and our collective ability to anticipate and respond to threats.

We will modernize legal frameworks, revising mandates for crucial agencies like Europol and Frontex.

Enhancing information sharing and anticipation capacity, we introduce regular EU threat analyses and a new governance system.

The EU stands for freedom and security, with robust protections for fundamental rights and privacy.

We must ensure safety and lawful data access while maintaining cybersecurity and privacy.

Resilience against hybrid attacks will be built by revising the Cybersecurity Act and strengthening transport security.

We will launch a Nordic/Baltic hub for submarine cable surveillance in response to digital vulnerabilities.

Reducing reliance on third-country technologies is critical for securing our digital future and technological autonomy.

Protecting fundamental rights remains a priority in combating crime and terrorism.

We urge completion of legislative work on child abuse and enforce the Digital Services Act to hold platforms accountable.

Globally, Europe will continue to strengthen partnerships, contributing to collective safety.

The success of this strategy depends on robust implementation and a societal approach, where security is a shared responsibility.

The Commission will integrate security into all initiatives, working closely with partners to achieve a strong and autonomous European security.

I now hand over to my colleague Magnus Brunner for further insights into our joint strategy.

 

Commissioner Magnus Brunner:

Good afternoon everyone,

Thank you, Henna, for the cooperation on this shared vision to make Europe more secure.

Security is a priority, ensuring prosperity, democracy, and the rule of law.

We have made progress, but evolving threats require us to advance further.

ProtectEU starts with a change in our security approach, pooling knowledge and focusing energies.

From the Security College to comprehensive service contributions, this is a team effort.

Security considerations will be integrated into all policies.

We will strengthen capabilities, equipping law enforcement with necessary tools.

Enhancing resilience against hybrid threats, we will protect critical infrastructure and improve cybersecurity.

Fighting organized crime with updated codes and penalties, we will ensure criminals have nowhere to hide in Europe.

A comprehensive counter-terrorism agenda will prevent radicalization and secure public spaces.

Globally, we aim to build security partnerships with third countries.

ProtectEUs ambition is high, and we must become a less easy target for criminals.

This strategy sets us on the right path. Thank you.