CoESS welcomes update of the EU Security Union Strategy
The European Commission has published the long-awaited, new EU Security Union Strategy, which outlines strategic priorities of the EU in security policies for the next five years. Many of the priorities will play an important role in CoESS’ activities for the upcoming years, namely in the multiple EU Expert Groups in which CoESS participates: Critical Infrastructure Protection, Artificial Intelligence, C-UAS and the protection of public spaces against terrorism – the list is long.
In the past years, the EU Security Union Strategy has made an important contribution to improve Europe’s resilience in a changing threat environment. During this time, CoESS was very glad to have had the opportunity to contribute to its implementation, for example as an official stakeholder in a number of EU Expert Groups, such as on drones or the protection of public spaces.
At the same time, the European Commission’s Communication, published on 24 July 2020, shows that an updated Strategy was necessary in a security environment which is in flux and very well described in the document. This “New Normal”, exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 crisis, is substantially reflected in CoESS’ work at EU-level: together with Euralarm, we published Cybersecurity Guidelines; CoESS is closely involved in the EU consultations on Critical Infrastructure Protection and Artificial Intelligence; last year we presented the private security industry at the EU High-Level conference on counter-UAS; in January 2019, CoESS finalised an ISF-funded Insider Threat eLearning tool, co-led with Securitas, DHL, and Palmyra Aviation Advisors; and we are a proud member of the EU Operators Forum.
CoESS is therefore very glad that the European Commission prioritises a large range of these issues under close consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on safety and security. For example, the Commission reconfirms its commitment to work on an updated legislative framework for the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure and a European Cybersecurity Strategy. Cooperation for the protection of public spaces, but also work addressing the misuse of drones and Insider Threats shall be stepped-up. We will be able to expect an Agenda on tackling organised crime and initiative on CBRN safety and security.
What is important is that improving collaboration and information-sharing between public and private actors is one of the three key objectives of the new strategy.
CoESS looks forward to continuing the work with the European Commission in the upcoming years and to offer the broad expertise of the private security sector to enhance resilience of Europe’s society, economy and businesses.
The new EU Security Union Strategy can be found here.
Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash