The paper welcomes the European Commissions objective to mainstream security into EU initiatives and to “look at all policies through a security lens”. It is thereby important  that security is addressed in a whole-of-society approach, including private partners and civil society. With these objectives in mind, CoESS recommends the EU Internal Security Strategy to address two specific aspects:

1. Strengthening public-private partnerships
2. Leveraging innovation and technology in security services

The paper recognises that in the face of rising organised crime, hybrid threats notably on Critical Infrastructure, as well as continued attacks in public spaces, todays threats cannot be countered with yesterdays solutions and mindsets alone. The private security industry, which plays a crucial role in the security chain protecting Critical Infrastructure and public spaces, continuously invests in innovative security services, leveraging advanced technologies such as big data-, AI- and drone-based solutions.

Looking forward, it is indispensable that stakeholders in the security chain work better together, leverage the potential of innovative security solutions, and collectively develop tailor-made protection of our societies’ most vulnerable assets.

However, CoESS notes that the full potential of public-private collaboration (PPPs) and the strategic use of technology for security is not realized yet in Europe. To this end, CoESS recommends  EU initiatives related to the EU Ports Alliance, an evaluation of operational and legal barriers to PPPs, the legal framework for counter-drone measures, connectivity needs in the security industry, as well as the uptake of innovation - notably through a revision of the EU Public Procurement Directive.

The full paper can be found here.