Lords Committee to Investigate the EU Internal Security Strategy
3 December 2010
EU Sub-Committee on Home Affairs has launched a new inquiry into the EU’s approach to internal security, focusing on the Internal Security Strategy (ISS). The ISS lays out a European security model to integrate action on law enforcement and judicial cooperation, border management and civil protection
The Committee will focus on the ISS which was approved by the European Council earlier this year, and the Communication from the Commission on the ISS. The Communication, entitled The EU Internal Security Strategy in Action: Five steps towards a more secure Europe, sets out a range of actions which are intended to disrupt international crime networks, prevent terrorism (addressing radicalisation and recruitment), raise the levels of security for citizens, strengthen security through border management, and increase Europe’s resilience to crises and disasters.
The inquiry will address areas such as the responsibilities of the EU and Member States for internal security, the relationship between the ISS and global security initiatives and the balance between better security and greater intrusion into individual privacy. It will also look at prospects and plans for the implementation of the ISS, its scope scale and priorities, and its relationship with other EU strategies, policies and plans.
The Committee welcome evidence on any aspect of the ISS and its development and proposed implementation, particularly on issues including:
• Does the ISS cover the appropriate range of threats?
• Whether greater cooperation is needed between EU agencies and bodies involved in EU internal security
• What systems, mechanisms and processes are needed to improve confidence in early warning of threats and problems?
• How can radicalisation be countered and vulnerability and risk be reduced?
• Can border crossings by citizens be facilitated by greater use of technology while maintaining or improving security? The Committee is keen to receive written evidence on these issues from any interested parties.
The full Call for Evidence is available at www.parliament.uk/hleuf and the deadline for the submission of written evidence is Wednesday 22 December 2010.
As part of its inquiry the Committee will visit Brussels on 6-7 December. They will receive evidence from:
• Home Affairs Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström
• Former Director of SitCen, William Shapcott
• Director General for External Relation of the European External Action Service, David O’Sullivan
• Rita Borsellino MEP, the rapporteur of the LIBE Committee of the European Parliament on this matter
Journalists wishing to meet with the Committee whilst in Brussels should contact the House of Lords Press Office.