Making the life of EU citizens safer

The EU's first Internal Security Strategy was adopted by the ministers for the interior on 25 February. It lays down a European security model, which integrates action on law enforcement and judicial cooperation, border management and civil protection, with due respect for shared European values, such as fundamental rights.

© European Union, 2010

The Strategy sets out the main threats and challenges the EU faces. They include various types of crime, such as terrorism, organised crime, cyber-crime and even youth violence. Natural and man-made disasters, such as forest fires and energy shortages, also require cross-border preparedness and response. Another challenge is to address common phenomena that pose threats to citizens across Europe, for example road accidents.

The Strategy places a strong focus on prevention. Member states need to step up intelligence sharing, making full use of biometric and other technologies. This will serve not only to bring offenders to justice but also to forestall crime.

Prevention also means tackling the root causes and involving a wide range of actors. Cooperation will be sought, for instance, with schools, in order to prevent young people going down the criminal path. In the private sector, financial institutions can contribute to the prevention of money laundering. Civil society organisations could play a role in running public awareness campaigns.

Since internal security depends to a large extent on external security, it is necessary to work closely with the EU's neighbours and other countries as well as with international organisations.

More information:
Internal Security Strategy (pdf) 
Webcast of Council debate 
Webcast of press conference 
Council press release