The European Commission has introduced a new agenda, ProtectEU, aimed at strengthening the European Union’s ability to prevent and counter terrorism. This initiative is part of the broader European Internal Security Strategy and responds to the evolving nature of terrorist threats, including the misuse of digital technologies and increasing radicalisation among minors.
According to the Commission, recent years have seen significant changes in how terrorist activities are conducted. The rise of social media, artificial intelligence, 3D-printed weapons, and drones has created new challenges for law enforcement and security agencies. Additionally, geopolitical shifts and involvement from both state and non-state actors have contributed to a more complex threat landscape.
ProtectEU outlines six main areas for action:
1. Anticipating threats: The agenda proposes enhancing EU-level intelligence analysis through increased resources for the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC) and expanding Europol’s analytical capabilities. It also includes support for research on emerging technologies such as AI and crypto-assets under Horizon Europe and the EU Internal Security Fund.
2. Preventing radicalisation: Early prevention remains a priority. The agenda introduces a Prevention Toolbox from the Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation to address youth radicalisation. A €5 million Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme will support projects focused on youth empowerment, digital resilience, and community cohesion.
3. Protecting people online: The Commission plans to review the Terrorist Content Online Regulation in 2026 and enforce the Digital Services Act more rigorously. Voluntary cooperation with online service providers will be strengthened through the EU Internet Forum to remove terrorist content quickly. An upgraded EU Crisis Protocol will facilitate early-stage coordination between law enforcement authorities and online platforms.
4. Protecting people in physical environments: To safeguard public spaces and critical infrastructure, measures include sharing information about terrorism-related alerts within the Schengen Information System among volunteering Member States. There are also proposals to expand advanced travel information frameworks beyond commercial air transport to private flights, maritime, and land transport. The Commission is investing €30 million in projects that enhance public space security and bolstering its Protective Security Advisory Programme.
5. Responding to threats: Improving responses involves stronger law enforcement cooperation across borders, better tracking of terrorist financing—including cryptocurrencies—and revising Europol’s mandate for greater operational support to Member States. Efforts will continue towards faster investigations by implementing a roadmap for lawful access to data.
6. International cooperation: The agenda emphasizes collaboration with partner countries outside the EU, particularly in sharing data on individuals posing threats via Europol partnerships, deeper ties with Mediterranean partners, implementation of joint action plans with Western Balkans nations, and expanding activities of knowledge hubs abroad.
Markus Lammert, spokesperson for the European Commission; Elettra Di Massa; and Fiorella Boigner are available for further comment regarding this initiative.