CoESS at the BDSW General Assembly: “Without private security, no crisis preparedness”
At the General Assembly of the German Security Association (BDSW) in Berlin, Alexander Frank, Deputy Director General at CoESS, addressed the growing role of private security in Europe’s crisis preparedness and resilience agenda. Speaking to representatives of the German security industry, he highlighted how geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, blackouts and natural disasters are reshaping Europe’s understanding of security - and the role of private security.
In his speech, Alexander Frank stressed that the private security sector already plays a critical operational role in protecting critical infrastructure, supporting emergency services and maintaining public order during crises. He also underlined that the EU Preparedness Union Strategy must now move from political vision to operational implementation together with industry. The EU Sectoral Social Partners in private security, CoESS and UNI Europa, had already adopted a Joint Statement to this end.
Alexander Frank further emphasised three key priorities for effective preparedness: attractive jobs in critical professions like private security to tackle labour shortages, competitive companies able to invest in innovation and training, and stronger political and operational recognition of the sector. The speech also highlighted ongoing CoESS work on drones, artificial intelligence and the reform of EU public procurement rules.
The discussion in Berlin confirmed a growing consensus across Europe: without a strong and recognised private security sector, effective crisis preparedness will not be possible.