Internal Security Strategy (ISS)

The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (in particular Article  72), which entered into force in late 2009, along with the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights, laid the foundations for the development of an EU security policy based on the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and solidarity.

Following the adoption of the Stockholm programme (the EU’s programme for justice and home affairs for the period 2010-14), the EU adopted, in 2010, its internal security strategy (ISS).

Given that many security challenges (cybercrime, terrorism, illegal immigration and organised crime) are cross-border and cross-sectoral in nature, no single EU country is able to respond effectively to these threats on its own. In addition, the EU needs to improve its resilience to crises and disasters.

The EU’s ISS is thus its joint agenda to use all the resources and expertise available to jointly tackle these challenges.

In June 2014, the European Commission published a report assessing the progress made under the ISS and identifying its future priorities for a renewed ISS. The European Commission will adopt a communication on the European agenda on security for 2015-20 in the course of 2015. The Communication will be the basis for the European Parliament and Council to agree on a renewed EU ISS.

Source:  EUR Lex Glossary