On 1 April 2025, the European Commission introduced ProtectEU, a new strategy designed to strengthen the EU’s internal security. Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions and evolving threats such as terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and hybrid challenges, ProtectEU sets out a workplan focused on reinforcing the legal framework, enhancing intelligence sharing, and deepening cooperation between Member States.
The strategy promotes a whole-of-society approach, engaging citizens, businesses, researchers, and civil society to build collective resilience. It also aims to mainstream security considerations across all EU initiatives, ensuring that preparedness and threat anticipation become central to policymaking. Key actions include strengthening Europol’s operational role, boosting cybersecurity, reinforcing protection of critical infrastructure, and ensuring better intelligence exchange.
Ports, as vital gateways for trade and supply chains, are given particular attention. ProtectEU underlines the importance of securing transport hubs against cyber threats, organised crime, and hybrid risks. FEPORT welcomes this recognition and supports the strategy’s objective to bolster the resilience of European ports, ensuring the security of goods, services, and the broader internal market. Ports must be part of Europe’s strengthened security architecture, contributing to a safer, more resilient Union.
Source: European Commission.
