Annexes to COM(2022)745 - Fifth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2022)745 - Fifth Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy. |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2022)745  |
| date | December 13, 2022 |
EU legislation related to the fight against terrorism has been updated. The Directive on combating terrorism adopted in 2017 is now implemented by all Member States 42 , to criminalise conduct such as training and travelling for terrorism, as well as terrorist financing. Incorrect transposition of the Directive in a number of Member States still needs to be addressed.
Depriving terrorists of the means to perform an attack is key in the fight against terrorism. Nearly all Member States have now adopted the updated legislation on firearms 43 in their national law. New legislation designed to limit the accessibility of explosive precursors that terrorists could use to produce bombs, came into force in February 2021. Building on the approach used to regulate access to explosive precursors, the Commission is exploring how to restrict access to certain dangerous chemicals that could be used to carry out attacks.
Public spaces have repeatedly been the focus of terrorist attacks. The Commission has issued a handbook to promote the security by design of public spaces 44 . This follows detailed technical guidance, 45 tools for vulnerability assessment of public spaces 46 and comprehensive support to key stakeholders, 47 as well as a Recommendation on voluntary performance requirements for X-ray equipment used in public spaces (outside aviation). 48 In 2022, the Internal Security Fund has also funded €14.5 million of projects to improve the protection of public spaces including places of worship. Drones are a highly innovative tool that can be used for legitimate but also malicious purposes, including attacks on public spaces, individuals and critical infrastructure. In November 2022, the Commission adopted a Drone Strategy 2.0, 49 to be followed in 2023 by a more detailed EU approach on countering the malicious use of drones.
Combatting radicalisation leading to violent extremism and terrorism online and offline
Preventing and fighting radicalisation is key to effective counter-terrorist policies. The Commission supports Member States, with the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) bringing together 6 000 experts active on prevention work. The main areas of support to Member States include countering violent extremist ideologies and polarisation leading to radicalisation; radicalisation online and misuse of new technologies; and managing and preparing reintegration of offenders released from prison. Links between violent extremist groups and ideologies and the manifestations of hate speech are addressed through the EU Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online. 50
The EU is also working to prevent foreign influences and funding supporting radical/extremists views in the Member States. For its part, the Commission remains vigilant to prevent EU funds supporting any project incompatible with European values or pursuing an illegal agenda. In this regard, since the end of 2021, projects managed by the Commission are published as soon as the grant agreement is signed, in a unique platform called the Funding and Tenders opportunities platform. It is essential that Member States use this window to themselves screen the beneficiaries and provide the Commission with any supplementary information available to them. In this context, the Commission’s proposed revision of the Financial Regulation includes adding the issue of a conviction for “incitement to hatred” as grounds for exclusion from EU funding. The Commission calls on the European Parliament and the Council to effectively address this issue in the final text. In addition, the Commission is undertaking internal awareness raising measures and developing internal working methods to ensure increased scrutiny in the selection of projects.
Preventing radicalisation online is another key focus. The Regulation to address the dissemination of terrorist content online 51 became applicable in June 2022. Since then, national competent authorities can require terrorist content to be removed within one hour of an official removal order. Online service providers exposed to terrorist content have to take specific measures to protect their platforms against misuse. This complements the work of the EU Internet Forum (EUIF), launched by the Commission to bring together Member States, internet companies and civil society to prevent the dissemination of violent extremist and terrorist content online. Recent EUIF support to tech companies and internet infrastructure providers in their content moderation efforts include a directory on Terrorist Operated Websites, and a yearly updated knowledge package of violent right wing extremist groups, symbols and manifestoes 52 . Since 2019, preventing Child Sexual Abuse online has also been addressed in this Forum.
Key delivery examples
How cooperation with Eurojust led to the conviction of a foreign fighter for terrorism: The main target of a terrorist-related investigation was sentenced in 2021 to four years' imprisonment for participation in a terrorist organisation after the Italian authorities used the Counter Terrorism Registry to identify links between a suspected foreign fighter and other terrorism cases. National authorities were brought together by Eurojust, leading to the execution of European Investigation Orders and Mutual Legal Assistance requests.
Europol coordination against bomb manuals available online: In one of a series of regular joint initiatives, an action day in February 2022, supported by Europol with participation of 8 Member States and the United Kingdom, found hundreds of items online including instructions on how to make bombs with precursors and how to use them in terrorist attacks. The information was referred to the online service providers.
4. FIGHTING ORGANISED CRIME
In the organised crime landscape in Europe cooperation between criminals is ever-changing. Criminal networks may be involved in a variety of criminal activities, combining drugs trafficking, organised property crime, fraud, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings 53 . Cybercrime and gender-based cyber violence has been further stimulated by the increased use of internet and online services. The increasing use of encrypted communication channels, while protecting privacy and fundamental rights, poses additional challenges for law enforcement 54 . Meanwhile, the disruption caused by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has created new openings, swiftly exploited by organised crime groups.
In April 2021, the Commission adopted the EU Strategy to tackle Organised Crime 2021-2025 55 . The Strategy highlights the importance of dismantling organised crime structures, targeting those groups that are a higher risk to Europe’s security and the individuals in the higher echelons of criminal organisations. Its implementation is now well underway, with several key actions already adopted or implemented. The Commission has also been providing financial support to Member States to combat the criminal threats facing the EU 56 .
Cybercrime
The accelerated digitalisation during the COVID-19 pandemic stimulated the spread of cyber threats such as ransomware 57 . Ransomware creates substantial cybersecurity risks for critical infrastructure and public safety. Europol’s Cybercrime Centre (EC3), together with the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (J-CAT) recently developed the International Ransomware Response Model to operationalise a comprehensive law enforcement response. The EU participated in the 2022 Summit of the Counter Ransomware Initiative to strengthen international cooperation on ransomware. 36 countries and the EU agreed to take forward work on International Counter Ransomware Task Force to coordinate work on resilience and disruption and counter illicit financing activities 58 . The Commission and Europol have jointly set up a Decryption platform 59 , reducing the time taken for forensic access to digital evidence and helping to tackle encrypted criminal communication networks leading to major blows to organised crime activities.
The EU was instrumental in the successful negotiation of the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Cybercrime Convention in May 2022. This includes much needed tools for cross-border cooperation in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime, as well as detailed data protection conditions and safeguards. All Member States should swiftly sign the Second Additional Protocol and the European Parliament is invited to give its consent, to allow for swift ratification. The Commission is also negotiating on behalf of the EU a new United Nations cybercrime convention.
With 85 million pictures and videos depicting child sexual abuse reported worldwide in 2021 alone, and many more unreported, child sexual abuse is alarmingly pervasive. Children spending more time online has made them more susceptible to grooming, leading to an increase of self-produced exploitation material. In line with the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse adopted in July 2020 60 and the EU Comprehensive Strategy on the Rights of the Child of March 2021 61 , the Commission adopted a proposal laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online in May 2022 62 , with new obligations on online service providers. Where prevention fails to reduce a significant risk, service providers could be ordered to detect, report, remove and block child sexual abuse online. The proposal would also create a dedicated EU Centre, to facilitate implementation. Temporary legislation adopted in August 2021 to allow online service providers to continue voluntary detection and reporting of child sexual abuse online 63 will expire in the summer of 2024. It is therefore essential that the European Parliament and the Council find a swift agreement on the proposed Regulation. Early next year, this initiative will be complemented by a proposal to update the 2011 Directive on combating sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography 64 .
Cyber violence against women and girls is an emerging new dimension of gender-based cyber violence. In 2020, it was estimated that 1 in 2 young women experienced this form of violence. 65 In its proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, 66 adopted in March 2022, the Commission proposed targeted rules on gender-based violence against women online or offline 67 .
Organised Crime
Trafficking in human beings is a core activity of organised crime in the EU 68 . Tough already identified as a priority in the Security Union Strategy, criminals found new opportunities to generate significant profits and intensify criminal activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid EU level coordination is helping prevent the intensified threat of trafficking in human beings following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU Anti-trafficking Coordinator developed a Common Anti-Trafficking Plan 69 to bring together the work of the Commission with Member States, EU Agencies and the European External Action Service to address the risks of trafficking in human beings and to support potential victims. These efforts have helped to ensure that the number of confirmed trafficking cases has remained limited, even if the threat remains high.
In April 2021, the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings 2021-2025 provided a comprehensive internal and external frame for action 70 . The Commission is following up with an upcoming proposal amending the Anti-trafficking Directive 71 to address shortcomings in the current legal framework and update it to reflect the online dimension, as well as seeking the reduction of demand. In September 2022, an EMPACT joint action day targeted criminal networks using websites and social media platforms to recruit victims for sexual exploitation in a first EU-wide hackathon against trafficking in human beings, supported by Europol and Eurojust, with law enforcement authorities from 20 countries. 11 suspected human traffickers and 45 possible victims were identified 72 .
Unlike in the case of trafficking, those who pay smugglers to enter the EU irregularly do so voluntarily. However, the activity of smugglers is criminal, often puts lives at risk, and may lead to additional security risks for the EU. Preventing and fighting migrant smuggling is a key objective of the EU Security Union Strategy, the EU Strategy to tackle Organised Crime and the New Pact on Migration and Asylum 73 . It requires continuous international cooperation and coordination at all levels. The implementation of the EU Action Plan against Migrant Smuggling 2021-2025 74 is progressing, with Anti-Smuggling Operational Partnerships are being developed with Morocco, Niger, and the Western Balkans supported by EU institutions, bodies and agencies, and EU funding.
The illegal drugs market, estimated at a minimum retail value of €30 billion per year, remains the largest criminal market in the EU and a major source of income for organised crime groups, as well as a threat to social stability and health. In 2021, EU action and cooperation led to €7 billion worth of drugs taken off the streets 75 . The July 2020 EU Agenda and Action Plan on Drugs 2021-2025 76 sets out concrete actions to step up action at the EU level, including the transformation of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction into the European Union Drugs Agency. The revised mandate of the Agency proposed in January 2022 77 would strengthen its monitoring and threat assessment capabilities and its ability to react to new challenges. The Council adopted a general approach in June 2022, the work in the European Parliament is ongoing. The Commission also initiated cooperation in the EU Internet Forum to address online drugs trafficking and proposed a specific thematic Schengen evaluation on the smuggling of cocaine into EU ports. Support to the Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre - Narcotics was increased. The EU also continues its political dialogues on drugs with third countries, with a second dialogue with China in July 2022 and a new dialogue with Colombia launched in June 2022.
According to Europol, almost 99% of criminal profits escape confiscation in the EU, remaining in the hands of offenders 78 . Proposals to strengthen EU’s anti-money laundering and counter the financing of terrorism proposed by the Commission in July 2021 is advancing in Council 79 . In May 2022, the Commission proposed to reinforce and modernise EU rules on asset recovery and confiscation 80 . The proposal has been discussed in Council working groups with progress being made in several areas.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has now had its first full year of work to protect the EU’s financial interests. It received 4 006 crime reports, opened 929 investigations and granted freezing orders for a total value of €259 million. During its first seven months of activity, cases under investigation were potentially responsible for an estimated damage of €5.4 billion to the Union budget 81 .
The Commission is also working on the preparation of the EU Toolbox against counterfeiting, as announced in the Intellectual Property Action Plan 82 and highlighted in the Organised Crime Strategy.
As well as damaging the trust between the state and the citizen, corruption is a threat to security. It is a key tool for organised crime and facilitates a wide variety of criminal activities. It is a core theme of the annual Rule of Law Report cycle 83 . While some EU Member States continue to be among the best performers globally in the fight against corruption, many challenges remain, in particular as regards criminal investigations, prosecutions and the application of sanctions for corruption. Many Member States have measures underway to strengthen corruption prevention and integrity frameworks, the resources allocated to anti-corruption often fall short. The Commission is working on an anti-corruption package for 2023 which will update and streamline legislation in this area.
The 2020-2025 EU action plan against firearms trafficking 84 was adopted together with the Security Union Strategy in July 2020. This was followed up in an October 2022 proposal to revise the rules on export authorisation, import and transit measures for firearms 85 , with a broader focus on digitalisation. Overall, this should improve the traceability of civilian firearms. Work is also ongoing to better support Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova regarding Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The illicit trafficking of cultural property is a lucrative business for organised crime groups, and in some cases for conflict parties and terrorists 86 . It therefore stimulates organised crime, as well as having a damaging impact on cultural heritage. Criminals can abuse even legally acquired cultural goods, for money laundering, sanctions evasion, tax evasion or terrorism financing. In order to strengthen the fight against the trafficking of cultural goods the Commission is today adopting an action plan 87 .
According to Interpol and the United Nations Environment Programme, environmental crime is the fourth largest criminal activity in the world after drug trafficking, human trafficking and counterfeiting. Ambitious Commission proposals for a new Environmental Crime Directive, 88 a new Waste Shipment Regulation 89 and a new Regulation on deforestation 90 are currently under negotiation. Once adopted, these will strengthen the enforcement chain and provide for higher sanctions and proper investigative tools. They are also complemented by a revised Action Plan against wildlife trafficking. 91
Key delivery examples
Encrochat: With the support of Europol and Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Belgium, France and the Netherlands cooperated to block the use of encrypted communications by large-scale organised crime groups. The service had 60 000 subscribers at the time it was closed down, an estimated 90% of them criminal.
EU judicial and police cooperation led to the dismantling of a large-scale Organised Crime Group (the ‘Pollino case’): A Joint Investigation Team set up in 2016 between Italy, Germany and The Netherlands launched an action day, coordinated by Eurojust and supported by Europol, that led to 34 individuals being convicted, to a total of more than 400 years in prison. Later another 12 individuals were convicted to more than 173 years in prison, and proceedings are still ongoing in several Member States.
4. ENSURING THE SECURITY OF OUR BORDERS AND SUPPORTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL COOPERATION
Alongside the economic and social benefits, a well-functioning Schengen area is key to the EU’s security. This requires effective management of the EU's external borders and enhanced law enforcement cooperation. In June 2021, the Commission adopted a Strategy Towards a fully-functioning and resilient Schengen area 92 , setting out how measures in the field of security, police and judicial cooperation can ensure that the EU remains strong against security threats, even without controls at internal borders. The Strategy is now taken forward through an annual Schengen cycle – a new governance model for the Schengen area – with progress tracked in the first report on the State of Schengen, adopted in May 2022 93 . A key step is an amended Schengen Borders Code, 94 through the Commission proposal of December 2021, which included new provisions to support effective security cooperation and the steps to take to manage external borders more efficiently in crisis situations. With a Council general approach from June 2022, it is important for the European Parliament and Council to swiftly conclude negotiations. The Commission also underlined the benefits of including Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia in all aspects of Schengen, reinforcing security and mutual trust in the Schengen area 95 . In December 2022, the Council adopted a decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Croatia 96 .
In an area without internal border controls, police officers in one Member State should have access to the same information available to their colleagues in another Member State. The norm must be full and effective cooperation. This is why it is essential to reinforce the tools available to law enforcement and judicial authorities across the EU for information exchange and cross-border cooperation. The police cooperation package in December 2021 97 offered a major enhancement of the tools available. The Directive on information exchange has now found a political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council, and a Council recommendation reinforcing operation cross-border police cooperation was adopted by the Council in June 2022. Negotiations continue on a Regulation revising the Prüm framework 98 , seeking to allow for more efficient automated exchange of data between law enforcement authorities in specific areas such as DNA, dactyloscopic and vehicle registration data, and adding the categories of police records and facial images. Swift agreement on the Prüm II Regulation would make the full range of new information exchange tools become a reality on the ground for law enforcement in Member States.
In order to fight cross-border crime more effectively, Member States law enforcement and judicial systems need to work hand in hand with the support of EU agencies such as Europol and Eurojust. The new Europol mandate entered into force in June 2022, allowing Europol to step up its expertise and operational capabilities, to better support Member States in combating serious and organised crime and terrorism. The mandate also strengthens Europol’s data protection framework and the oversight of the European Data Protection Supervisor. Investigative authorities and courts of different Member States need to cooperate and support each other in the investigation and prosecution of crimes and exchange information and evidence securely and swiftly. The Digital Justice Package 99 adopted in December 2021, consisted of practical steps to improve digital information exchange on cross-border terrorism cases, to set up a cooperation platform to support the functioning of Joint Investigation Teams, and to enhance the digitalisation of cross-border judicial cooperation and access to justice in civil, commercial and criminal matters. Swift adoption of this package by the European Parliament and Council would bring a major facilitation of information exchange between judicial authorities.
Electronic evidence is part of almost every investigation. The provisional political agreement reached in November 2022 on e-evidence 100 will bring secure exchange on evidence of critical value to judicial authorities in the Member States in fighting crime more effectively.
Securing the EU’s external borders is a common responsibility. The first teams of the European Border and Coast Guard standing corps have been successfully deployed since January 2021 and the standing corps now numbers some 4 800 Frontex and national officers.
The increase of irregular arrivals this year across most migratory routes has underlined the importance of systematic identity and security checks of all migrants arriving at external borders of the EU, as well as health checks meeting common standards. Security is an important theme in the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. Channeling migrants quickly to the appropriate procedures under the Screening Proposal would help to ensure that security checks are applied, in full respect of all fundamental rights obligations. A European Parliament position on this proposal is still awaited.
The instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes by the Belarusian regime in the second half of 2021 raised unprecedented legal, operational and human challenges, including for security. The Schengen Borders Code proposal also addresses the issue of instrumentalisation of migrants by third countries for political purposes. Member States faced with this situation would for example be able to limit the number of border crossing points and intensify border surveillance.
A new architecture of EU information systems is being developed to better support national authorities’ work to ensure security as well as border and migration management. Central to this is the renewed Schengen Information System, which should start its operations in March 2023. Other key tools are the Entry/Exit System (planned to start work in May 2023), the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ETIAS (due to enter into operation by the end of 2023) and the update of the Visa Information System (VIS). These will allow more checks and close security information gaps through better information exchange between Member States. Crucial to this work is the interoperability of the systems: it is essential that eu-LISA and Member States take the necessary steps without delay to deliver this ambitious project for full implementation by the end of 2024.
Controls on incoming goods have to be effective to reduce risks to the EU and its citizens, whilst ensuring competitiveness of legitimate EU businesses. Security controls have been enhanced on these goods through an upgraded EU import control system 101 , to support effective risk-based customs controls and measures to protect air cargo security from terrorist threats. The Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) programme 102 is also funding the transparent purchase, maintenance and upgrading of relevant, state-of-the-art, and reliable customs control equipment.
The ability of Advance Passenger Information (API) to contribute to security is hampered by rules which are outdated and unevenly applied. The new Commission proposals would repeal the current API Directive to clarify and enhance the use of API for both border management and law enforcement 103 . It would expand the use of API to selected intra-EU flights, extending the toolbox available to the Member States law enforcement authorities within the Schengen area. Reflections on the external dimension of the EU’s policy on Passenger Name Records (PNR) are ongoing, to reflect the fact that an increasing number of third countries are developing the capability to process this information for law enforcement and border security. The Commission is also preparing a legislative proposal on a framework for reciprocal access to security-related information for front-line officers in the EU and partner third countries, to efficiently detect criminals and terrorists.
Travel document fraud facilitates the clandestine movement of criminals and terrorists, and plays a key role in trafficking in human beings and in the drugs trade. This needs to be tackled alongside the need to facilitate legitimate travellers, so since August 2021, Member States are issuing identity cards with harmonised security standards, including a chip containing biometric identifiers that can be verified by all EU border authorities 104 . The Commission is preparing a further initiative on digitalisation of travel documents and facilitation of travel 105 that will enhance security and speed up travel and border processes through paperless advanced communication of travel and personal data and biometric checks at borders.
Law enforcement and new technologies
Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence or encryption can bring added value to law enforcement and judicial authorities, but can also hamper their work. In its Communication on Artificial intelligence (AI) and in the Artificial Intelligence Act 106 , the Commission underlined that AI can significantly contribute to the objectives of the Security Union strategy, countering current threats and anticipating future risks and opportunities 107 . Under Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme for the period 2021-2027, funding is available for civil security research actions and innovation, including on AI or biometrics. For 2021 and 2022 alone, €413.8 million has already been programmed 108 .
Key delivery example
Use of the Schengen Information System (SIS): In 2021, almost 7 billion searches were performed by Member States in the SIS. Member States authorities performed almost 20 million searches in the system on average per day, leading on average to 600 hits on foreign alerts per day, contributing to solving an equivalent number of cases. For instance, after a brutal double murder in Romania in 2021, the perpetrator was tracked down in Italy only days later, thanks to a SIS alert for arrest that tipped off Italian investigators – who were able to arrest the man in Rome.
5. THE INTERNAL-EXTERNAL SECURITY NEXUS: SECURITY IN THE EU NEIGHBOURHOOD AND IN PARTNER COUNTRIES
What happens outside of the EU’s borders and security within Europe is closely intertwined. Supporting and helping our neighbours and partners in enhancing their internal security and cooperating with our allies and with international organisations such as NATO or the UN is indispensable to enhance the EU’s internal security.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission services work closely with key partner countries and international organisations, through regular counter-terrorism (CT) dialogues. More than 30 CT Dialogues are ongoing with third states and International Organisations 109 . In parallel, the network of counter terrorism and security experts in EU delegations in key third countries has been reinforced.
To better counter internal security threats stemming from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Commission services and the EEAS, with the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, agreed with Ukraine to establish a continuous structured security cooperation. This collaboration aims to enhance operational cooperation, including with Europol and Frontex, and to strengthen information exchange on internal security threats. EU Agencies brought immediate support to responding to the challenges following the invasion. Currently Frontex has 277 staff deployed in the region, Europol 15 and the European Union Asylum Agency, 60.
Member States' law enforcement authorities and their partners work together in the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) to organise operational actions and joint action days against new or evolving crime threats linked to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Cybersecurity Dialogue between the EU and Ukraine has been stepped up with coordinated political, financial and material support from the EU to help Ukraine to strengthen its cyber resilience. Overall funding of EUR 29 million to increase Ukraine’s cyber and digital resilience has supported cyber security equipment, software, and resilient digital transformation.
Due to its geographical location, the Republic of Moldova has a key role to play in addressing the criminal and security implications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In July 2022, the Commission, in cooperation with the EEAS, launched an EU support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management with the Republic of Moldova. Its main role is to facilitate cooperation and operational action to address shared security threats in six priority areas jointly identified by the EU and the Republic Moldova: firearms trafficking, migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism, cybercrime and drug trafficking. In March 2022, the Republic of Moldova signed a status agreement with Frontex, based on its reinforced mandate.
Law enforcement cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkan countries – also drawing on EU Agencies – continued to intensify in the past three years. In line with Council Conclusions of March 2021, law enforcement cooperation with third countries was mainstreamed in all European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) operational action plans, resulting in a boost in the Western Balkans’ participation in EMPACT activities. Significant funding under the Instrument for Pre Accession continues to be provided for law enforcement reform and performance, with EU Agencies also providing capacity-building to security actors. The Joint Action Plan on Counter Terrorism signed in 2018 has been taken forward with good progress, and in the case of North Macedonia and Albania, considering that most of the actions were completed, a revised updated version of the respective bilateral agreements has been signed in December 2022, to further upgrade our cooperation in the field of counter terrorism and prevention and countering of violent extremism.
On 18 November 2022, the Council authorised the opening of negotiations of Frontex status agreements between the EU and Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 110 . These agreements would allow Frontex to deploy border management teams to carry out border control tasks, under the command of the relevant national authorities. This will be of particular value in countering migrant smuggling. North Macedonia signed a status agreement with Frontex in October 2022, based on its reinforced mandate.
The EU and the US also have a long history of partnership and cooperation on security issues, aiming at a more systematic and timely exchange of information on issues such as terrorism, radicalisation and organised crime. The EU and the US hold regular joint Justice and Home Affairs meetings to deepen cooperation on matters of common interest, promote global security and update each other on legislative progress on JHA files. European judicial and law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with their US counterparts on operational and legislative matters. US law enforcement authorities are active participants of several EMPACT actions and networks, with operational cooperation agreement between the US and Europol. A powerful example of effective cooperation is the Operational Task force Greenlight/Trojan Shield, one of the largest and most sophisticated law enforcement operations to date in the fight against encrypted criminal activities. The Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme between the EU and the US provides numerous concrete leads for terrorist investigations 111 . The cooperation also relies on clear monitoring of safeguards and controls.
Regular EU-US Cybersecurity Dialogues strengthen cooperation and coordination on both cyber diplomacy and cyber resilience, including cybersecurity standardisation. The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has also allowed cooperation to deepen, with a joint Statement on cyber security and steps for potential cooperation on research and development beyond 5G and 6G, on export controls, and on investment screening, as well as on sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The TTC will also further advance EU-US cooperation on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference.
Important security challenges in Africa directly impact Africans themselves as well as the security of the EU. Many projects are implemented to help partner countries to build capacity to address these challenges, for example through the funding of the international counter terrorism academy (AILCT) in western Africa or with the regional initiative to enhance capacity in fighting money-laundering and countering the financing of terrorism in the Greater Horn region.
The countries of Latin America and the Carribean (LAC) are essential partners for the EU, and a new Regional Team Europe Initiative for Security and Justice was launched in May 2022 to set up an EU-LAC partnership on strengthening the rule of law and the fight against organised crime.
The EU Foreign Direct Investment Screening Regulation entered into force in October 2020 112 and provides a framework to improve protection against foreign direct investments posing a risk to security or public order in more than one Member State. In its first full year of operation, more than 400 cases were notified to the Commission. The Dual Use Regulation 113 adopted in September 2021 upgraded and strengthened the EU dual-use export control system and introduced new provisions that allows the EU – in coordination with the Member States – to adopt autonomous controls on export of non-listed items and technologies.
In a globalised world, where serious crime and terrorism are increasingly transnational, law enforcement and judicial authorities should be fully equipped to cooperate with external partners to ensure the security of their citizens. This calls for opening the door to cooperation and information exchange between the judicial authorities of third countries for Europol and Eurojust. An agreement signed in June 2022 between Europol and New Zealand on the exchange of personal data to fight serious crime and terrorism 114 is being followed up by negotiations with a number of other countries, but in most cases progress remains slow. As for Eurojust, negotiations are well advanced with Armenia where agreement on the text has been found, and have started with Colombia, Algeria and Lebanon.
In April 2022, the EU and the UN took concrete steps to strengthen their existing partnership to fight persistent but evolving threats to international peace and security during the fourth Leaders dialogue on counter-terrorism. The strategic partnership was further strengthened through the launch of the new “EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility”, an EU-funded initiative to support States faced with terrorism and violent extremism, including through assistance, training, and mentoring. Other issues of common concern include emerging threats related to new technologies, including how they affect youth as a particular target group for radicalisation to violence, and terrorism based on xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief.
EU-NATO cooperation has also been stepped up, with tangible deliverables in all areas of cooperation 115 . The EU and NATO have intensified their work and cooperation in the wake of Russia’s war of aggression, with a unified policy stance and coordination to help Ukraine defend itself and protect its population. The EU-NATO strategic partnership is more robust and relevant than ever at this critical moment for Euro-Atlantic security. On resilience, a dedicated Structured Dialogue was launched in January 2022, now being deepened on to support the protection of critical infrastructure and an EU-NATO Task Force will be set up in that context. On military mobility, further improvements have been made regarding transport and regulatory aspects, including the transport of dangerous goods. Countering hybrid threats also remains a key area of cooperation with NATO. Exchanges include counter-terrorism, as well as strategic communication, foreign information manipulation and interference and cyber issues. Exercises included the EU Integrated Resolve in November 2022 within the Parallel and Coordinated Exercise (PACE) concept, with the involvement of NATO staff, in order to improve the interaction between the respective crisis response mechanisms.
Since September 2022, the EU has been co-chair of the Global Counter Terrorism Forum. Priorities include addressing the terrorist threat in Africa and integrating gender and education into counter-terrorism policy.
Negotiation of a Cooperation Agreement between the Union and Interpol is ongoing with a view to reaching a conclusion at technical level during the first half of 2023. The main aim is to further reinforce the exchange of information between Interpol and EU agencies and bodies, to better support Member States and increase the security of citizens, not only in the EU but across the world.
Key delivery example
Operation Desert Light: European drug cartel taken down in six countries: In November 2022, coordinated raids were carried out across Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), targeting both the command-and-control centre and the logistical drugs trafficking infrastructure in Europe. High-value targets had formed a ‘super cartel’ controlling around one third of the cocaine trade in Europe. A total of 49 suspects have been arrested following investigations in Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UAE with the support of Europol. 30 tons of drugs were seized by law enforcement in the course of the investigations.
6. CONCLUSION
Over the past two and a half years, the Commission in close cooperation with the European External Action Service, has delivered successfully on nearly all the actions set out in the Security Union Strategy. The wide range of proposals need adoption and above all implementation. The decisions and actions of the European Parliament, the Council and individual Member States will be key to ensure that the EU delivers a robust Security ecosystem for its citizens.
At the same time, the security environment will continue to change around us. Since the Security Union Strategy was adopted, the EU has faced the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. There has been an exponential proliferation in online threats and the need for swift adaptation and foresight. The EU must continue to equip itself to deal with whatever evolving threats jeopardise the security of its citizens. Constant vigilance, determination to act, and collective responses will be key for the EU’s collective success going forward.
(1)
COM(2020) 605.
(2)
ENISA Threat landscape 2022.
(3)
1) a future proof security environment, (2) tackling evolving threats (3), protecting Europeans from terrorism
and organised crime, (4) A strong European Security Ecosystem.
(4)
A table in annex provides an overview of legislative and non-legislative actions since the launch of
the Security Union Strategy.
(5)
An Action Plan on trafficking of cultural goods (COM(2022) 800 and two proposals on the revision of the
Advance Passenger Information Directive (COM(2022) 729 and 731).
(6)
A proposal for a revised Anti-trafficking Directive (COM(2022) 732) and the 4th progress report on trafficking in human beings are foreseen for adoption on 19 December 2022.
(7)
Proposal to revise Directive (EU) 2016/1148.
(8)
COM(2020) 823.
(9)
COM(2020) 829.
(10)
The following sectors are covered by the NIS2 and CER Directive: energy, transport, banking, financial
market infrastructure, digital infrastructure, health, drinking water, wastewater, public administration, space
and food production, processing and distribution.
(11)
Discussions are under way amongst national experts in the NIS Cooperation Group to support Member States
in transposition and implementation of the NIS2 Directive.
(12)
COM (2020) 595. Political agreement reached in May 2022.
(13)
The group is made up of representatives of the Member States, the Commission and the European Union
Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), to support and facilitate strategic cooperation between the Member
States on security of network and information systems.
(14)
Council conclusions on the development of the European Union's cyber posture, 23 May 2022.
(15)
In line with the Nevers Call to Reinforce the EU’s Cybersecurity Capabilities agreed during the Informal
Meeting of the Telecommunications Ministers on 9 March 2022.
(16)
The Commission proposal COM(2022) 551 was followed by adoption of a Council recommendation on 8
December 2022.
(17)
This is required by the Electricity Regulation (EU) 2019/943.
(18)
International Civil Aviation Organisation (Doc 10084 entitled “Risk Assessment Manual for Civil aircraft
Operations Over or Near Conflict Zones” 2018).
(19)
Including through the implementation of PESCO capability projects and Horizon 2020 projects.
(20)
EU-CIP, for a European Knowledge Hub and Policy Testbed for Critical Infrastructure Protection and
ATLANTIS - The Atlantic Testing Platform for Maritime Robotics: New Frontiers for Inspection and
Maintenance of Offshore Energy Infrastructures.
(21)
JOIN(2020) 18.
(22)
EU-CyCLONe is composed of the representatives of Member States’ cyber crisis management authorities
with the participation of the Commission in cases where a potential or ongoing large-scale cybersecurity
incident has or is likely to have significant impacts on services and activities foreseen in the directive.
(23)
COM (2021) 4520.
(24)
Examples include the Blueprint Operational Level Exercise (Blue OLEx) organied by Lithuania and ENISA,
and the EU Cyber Crisis Linking Exercise on Solidarity (EU CyCLES) organised by French Presidency.
(25)
A first phase was launched with a call for proposals on “Capacity Building of Security Operation Centres”,
and a Call for Expression of Interest to engage in a joint procurement of tools and infrastructures”, with the
ECCC, with €110 million EU funding in total from the DIGITAL program, published in November 2022.
(26)
ENISA Threat landscape 2022.
(27)
COM(2022) 454.
(28)
In the meantime, the Commission adopted in October 2021 a delegated regulation under the Radio
Equipment Directive which imposes obligations on the manufacturers of wireless devices to improve their
level of cybersecurity, privacy and protection from fraud.
(29)
In line with Council conclusions on ICT supply chain security, 17 October 2022.
(30)
Regulation 2018/881, introducing an EU-wide cybersecurity certification framework for ICT products,
services and processes.
(31)
Member States, with the support of the Commission and ENISA, published earlier this year a report on the
cybersecurity of Open Radio Access Networks, which, when more mature, will provide an alternative way of
deploying the radio access part of 5G networks based on open interfaces.
(32)
The Governing Board of the ECCC is in place and hold its 4th meeting on 20 October 2022.
(33)
COM(2022) 122.
(34)
CERT-EU has also significantly invested in further improving its existing services to EUIBAs and in adding
new ones, to better prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks.
(35)
COM(2022) 119.
(36)
SWD(2022) 21.
(37)
Hybrid threats: a comprehensive resilience ecosystem, JRC130097.
(38)
Work is ongoing on the Strategic Compass’ tasks to build a FIMI Data Space and equip the CSDP missions
and operations with capabilities and resources to deploy relevant instruments of this toolbox. The EEAS
continues to provide open-source situational awareness to EU Member States via the EU Rapid Alert System,
raises public awareness in particular through the EUvsDisinfo campaign and has further enhanced its
cooperation with stakeholders like NATO and the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism.
(39)
JOIN(2022) 49.
(40)
COM (2020) 795.
(41)
Afghanistan: Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, 29 September 2021.
(42)
COM (2021) 701. Member States were required to transpose the Directive into their national framework by 8
September 2018.
(43)
COM(2015) 750.
(44)
SWD(2022) 398.
(45)
Guideline - Building Perimeter Protection, EUR 30346 EN.
(46)
http://counterterrorism.jrc.ec.europa.eu
(47)
See in particular: EU Digital Autumn School, JRC127168 and Terrorism and Extremism Database - User
Guide, JRC130461 .
(48)
This act recommends Member States to comply with the EU performance requirements when procuring X-
ray equipment to be used for threat detection in public spaces (C(2022) 4179).
(49)
COM(2022) 652.
(50)
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_16_1937
(51)
Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on addressing the
dissemination of terrorist content online, OJ L 172, 17.5.2021, p. 79–109.
(52)
Other deliverables include: an update of the EU Crisis Protocol; handbooks with guidelines on malicious use
of borderline content and video gaming leading to radicalisation; and a study on the effects of algorithmic
amplification on the user path to radicalisation.
(53)
Europol (2021), European Union serious and organised crime threat assessment, a corrupting influence: the
infiltration and undermining of Europe's economy and society by organised crime, Publications Office of the
European Union, Luxembourg.
(54)
Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), 2021.
(55)
COM(2021) 170.
(56)
In July 2022, through the Internal Security Fund (ISF), the Commission allocated €15.7 million to Member
States to support long-term projects and activities within the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against
Criminal Threats (EMPACT), tackling the ten EU crime priorities adopted by the Council for 2022-2025.
(57)
Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment Report (IOCTA).
(58)
International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2022, Washington DC, 1 November 2022.
(59)
The Europol Decryption Platform is hosted at the EC Joint Research Centre, Ispra site.
(60)
COM(2020) 607.
(61)
COM(2021) 142.
(62)
COM(2022) 209.
(63)
COM(2020) 568.
(64)
Directive 2011/93/EU of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of
children and child pornography, OJ L335, 17.12.2011.
(65)
European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), Combating gender-based violence: Cyberviolence, European added value assessment, 2021.
(66)
COM(2022) 105.
(67)
The proposal includes EU-level criminalisation of non-consensual sharing of intimate materials, cyber
stalking, cyber harassment and cyber incitement to violence or hatred. This would be complemented by a
new framework for cooperation between internet platforms to better protect women’s safety online.
(68)
Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA) 2021.
(69)
An Anti-Trafficking Plan to protect people fleeing the war in Ukraine (europa.eu) .
(70)
COM(2021) 171.
(71)
The 4th Progress Report on trafficking in human beings to be adopted alongside this proposal provides in-
depth information on the implementation of the EU Strategy from 2019 to 2022 as well as key data and
statistics.
(72)
20 countries spin a web to catch human traffickers during a hackathon | Europol (europa.eu)
(73)
COM(2020) 609.
(74)
COM(2021) 591.
(75)
Eurojust annual report 2021.
(76)
COM(2020) 606.
(77)
COM(2022) 18.
(78)
Europol, Does crime still pay? Criminal Asset Recovery in the EU – Survey of statistical information 2010-
2014, 2016.
(79)
COM(2021) 421, COM(2021) 420 COM(2021) 423 COM(2021) 422. A political agreement was reached on
the Transfer of Funds Regulation in June 2022, and a partial general approach was also found on the on the
regulation establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism
(except provisions on resources and seat) in June 2022.
(80)
COM(2022) 245 final.
(81)
EPPO First Annual Report, 2022.
(82)
COM(2020) 760.
(83)
The most recent edition of the report was adopted on 13 July 2022 (COM (2022) 500).
(84)
COM(2020) 608 final.
(85)
COM(2022) 480.
(86)
See for example United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2199 (2015), 2253 (2015), 2322 (2016), 2347 (2017), 2462 (2019) and 2617 (2021); G20 Culture Ministers Rome Declaration of 30 July 2021.
(87)
COM(2022) 800.
(88)
COM(2021) 851.
(89)
COM(2021) 709.
(90)
COM(2021) 706.
(91)
COM(2022) 581.
(92)
COM(2021) 277.
(93)
COM(2022) 301.
(94)
COM(2021) 891.
(95)
COM(2022) 636.
(96)
From 1 January 2023, checks on persons at internal land and sea borders between Croatia and the other countries in the Schengen area will be lifted. Checks at internal air borders will be lifted from 26 March 2023.
(97)
COM(2021) 782, COM (2021) 780.
(98)
COM (2021 784.
(99)
COM (2021) 756, COM (2021 757, COM (2021) 759.
(100)
COM (2018) 225, COM (2018) 226.
(101)
The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will be operational in three releases (March 2021, March 2022 and
March 2023). Each release affects different Economic Operators (EOs) and models of transport.
(102)
Regulation (EU) 2021/1077 of 24 June 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund,
the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment.
(103)
COM(2022) 729 and 731.
(104)
Based on Regulation (EU) 2019/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on
strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union
citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement (OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 67).
(105)
EUR-lex 52022PC0658.
(106)
COM(2021) 206.
(107)
COM(2021) 205.
(108)
Horizon Europe also invests substantial funds in innovative technologies for the benefit of law enforcement
authorities in the fight against radicalization, as well as projects in detection of drugs and explosives, cultural
goods trafficking, migrant smuggling, security of public spaces and identity theft.
(109)
In 2022 CT dialogues took place with the UN, Israel, India; Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) are upcoming. In 2023, key expected dialogues are Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya, US, KSA,
possibly also Algeria.
(110)
Council Decision (EU) 2022/2271 – Albania ; Council Decision (EU) 2022/2272 – BiH ; Council Decision (EU) 2022/2273 – Montenegro; Council Decision (EU) 2022/2274 – Serbia.
(111)
See the sixth Joint review of the implementation of the TFTP Agreement COM(2022) 585.
(112)
EU/2019/452.
(113)
EU/2021/821 recast.
(114)
The agreement was favourably described by the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) as a model for
future agreements on the exchange of personal data for law enforcement purposes.
(115)
See Seventh progress report on the implementation of the common set of proposals endorsed by EU and
NATO Councils on 6 December 2016 and 5 December 2017, 20 June 2022.