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Internal security

What the EU does

Digital biometric, security and identify by fingerprint concept. Scanning system of the fingerprint. 3d rendering

The European Union faces a complex security landscape. Open societies and technological advancements have made it easier for terrorists, violent extremists and threat actors to operate across borders, exploit social and economic disparities, and navigate between the physical and digital worlds. 

Many types of crime, including trafficking in human beings, child sexual abuse and drugs trafficking, have moved online or are facilitated through digital means. As a consequence, most criminal investigations have a digital component. 

To respond to these challenges and foster secure societies, the EU has put emphasis on beating cybercrime, terrorism and radicalisation, organised crime, and financial crime. 

In April 2025, the Commission presented ProtectEU – the European Internal Security Strategy, which sets out the objectives and actions for the next years to ensure a safer and more secure Europe. 

ProtectEU Strategy’s priority areas and actions include:

  • Increased threat awareness to better anticipate security risks
  • Boosting law enforcement capabilities
  • Building resilience against hybrid threats
  • Fighting serious and organised crime
  • Combating terrorism
  • Contributing to global security

The Commission collaborates with Member States and EU agencies to deal with the complex and cross-border nature of organised crime. This approach ensures that the EU remains vigilant, resilient, and equipped to protect its citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Facts about internal security

One out of four
EU citizens believe that combating criminality is a priority
Almost all
crimes have a digital component: cybercrime, drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, migrant smuggling

Areas of action

Drug trafficking

Learn how the EU is coordinating the fight against drug trafficking

Combatting cybercrime

Find out how the EU is tackling cybercrime through laws, cross-border cooperation and funding

Key achievements

  • In 2023, the EU-supported cross-border law enforcement cooperation led to
    the identification of 7536 victims of trafficking, 457 arrests of suspected 
    traffickers, the launch of 1175 investigations and seizures of €4.1 million
    criminal profit.
  • The European Ports Alliance and its public-private partnership launched in 
    2024, have stepped up the fight against drug trafficking, one of the most serious 
    security threats faced by Europe today.
  • As of June 2022, the Terrorist Content Online Regulation requires all online platforms 
    that offer their services in the EU to remove terrorist content within one hour of 
    being notified. This swift response helps keep citizens safe from illegal material and 
    prevent radicalisation online, while robust safeguards ensure that freedom of 
    expression and access to information are fully protected.

In focus

A customs officer with a sniffer dog inspects passengers' luggage prior to boarding, at the Felix Eboue Airport in Matoury, French Guiana

ProtectEU is the new European Internal Security Strategy. It sets out a vision for a stronger Union – to jointly anticipate, prevent and respond to security threats, ensure peace and stability for its citizens, protect European democracies, and safeguard prosperity. This strategy addresses the evolving threat landscape, with three overarching objectives: stepping up capabilities to protect people, mainstreaming security considerations in EU policy and external action, and reinforcing a whole-of-society approach to ensure EU security and safety.

Events

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