Boosting Europe’s defence against terrorism

The European Commission is proposing to strengthen Europe’s efforts to better detect explosives and dangerous materials, as well as to intensify research and build awareness amongst EU member states.

The fresh efforts come as part of EU’s action to prevent chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials and explosives (CBRN-E) from ending up in the hands of terrorists. Terrorist attacks such as those in Madrid, London and Moscow illustrate the high level of innovation of attackers and the relative ease with which some CBRN-E materials and components can be obtained.

The European Commission has proposed facilitating practical co-operation for the detection and mitigation of CBRN-E risks at EU level, including working with the industry, operators of facilities handling CBRN-E materials (equipment manufacturers and security services providers) and other stakeholders. Concrete tools will be developed, ranging from guidance materials, training and awareness building, and testing activities.

Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, said: “We are faced with a clear reality: terrorists and criminal organisations want get their hands on CBRN-E weaponry. We need to intensify our work across borders to prevent that from happening. By strengthening our common efforts, we will be able to better recognise and assess risks, and develop effective security standards.”

The Commission has proposed concrete actions aimed at using better research, testing and validation. Under FP7, around 60 CBRN-related projects were funded (worth around €200m) and more than 15 projects focused on explosives (worth over €67m). Such research will continue under Horizon 2020.