Progress in European internal security

The European Commission has published its annual report on the implementation of the EU's Internal Security Strategy (ISS), which highlights areas under each of the objectives of the strategy (2011-2014) where Member States and EU agencies should pay particular attention.

According to the Commission, organised crime is still a major challenge for the internal security of the EU. Cybercrime, along with trafficking in human beings and the increase in violent extremism are also major security threats that the EU continues to face, together with money laundering and corruption.

"One of the major threats to our internal security is organised crime and its detrimental effects on the European economy and the security of the European citizens. To go after the money, to disrupt organised criminal networks and reclaim the proceeds of crime, continues to be a key aim of the EU’s strategy", said Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

The Commission has announced a number of measures it intends to take in 2013, as a concrete follow up to the priorities identified in the ISS. These measures include:

• publishing the first EU Anti-Corruption Report, including recommendations for Member States;
• proposing a Directive on criminal penalties for money laundering;
• implementing the EU Cybersecurity Strategy for the European Union;
• supporting, developing and expanding the Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online;
• ensuring that Schengen Information System II (SISII) becomes fully operational;
• updating the EU approach to counter violent extremism by developing a European ‘toolbox’ based on best practices in the Member States;
• developing a political initiative to combat illicit trafficking in firearms. An online public consultation has just been launched on what more the EU should be doing to tackle the risk of firearms.