EU Officials Call for Major Security Changes
The changes would be made to confront new security risks in many different areas
- By Matt Holden
- Apr 28, 2015
According to a report, European Union officials have called for changes in policies and practices to confront new security risks to its 500 million citizens from terrorism, organized crime and cybersecurity.
EU Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans said there is still too much "mistrust and reticence to cooperate" among the 28 member countries.
"We need to make an effort to be more effective in providing security for our citizens," Timmermans said while presenting the EU executive's proposed "Agenda on Security" for 2015-2020 to the European Parliament.
The recommended steps include tougher controls on the buying and selling of firearms and creating a specialized counter-terrorism center at Europol, the Hague-based agency for EU-wide police cooperation.
EU national leaders in February agreed to cooperate more in the security sphere, but differences remain about how much authority to grant to states as well as EU institutions.
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.