State of the Union 2016: Paving the way towards a genuine and effective Security Union – Questions & Answers
The Political Guidelines of President Juncker put the security of European citizens as one of the priorities for this Commission.
Delivering on the commitment of fighting against terrorism and countering radicalisation, the Commission adopted the European Agenda on Security on 28 April 2015. The Agenda sets out the main actions to ensure an effective EU response to terrorism and security threats in the European Union over the period of 2015-2020. It is part of the renewed Internal Security Strategy that was adopted by the Council on 16 June 2015.
Following the Brussels attacks, President Juncker announced on 23 March that Europe needs a Security Union to effectively combat the threat of terrorism, building on the European Agenda on Security. On 20 April, the Commission set out the way forward towards an effective and genuine EU Security Union.
On the occasion of President Juncker’s 2016 State of the Union address, the Commission on 14 September set out how the European Union can enhance security in Europe by improving the exchange of information in the fight against terrorism and strengthening external borders.
This Memo highlights the actions already completed as well as steps that still need to be taken as a matter of urgency in view of the current security challenges.
