ProtectEU and the future of EU counter-terrorism

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What is ProtectEU about?

The European Commission's ProtectEU agenda to prevent and counter terrorism is aimed to respond to a rapidly evolving security landscape marked by the convergence of terrorism, organised crime, foreign interference and hybrid threats. Traditional distinctions between terrorist networks, criminal organisations and state-backed destabilisation activities are becoming increasingly blurred, requiring more integrated European responses. 

At the same time, online radicalisation, algorithmic amplification, recruitment of minors, foreign influence operations and attacks on critical infrastructure are creating new vulnerabilities that transcend national borders. The Commission therefore proposes a broad package of measures covering intelligence cooperation, prevention, online security, protection of public spaces and critical infrastructure, cooperation with digital platforms and support for victims of terrorism. 

The EESC welcomes the ambition of the initiative but argues that security measures alone cannot effectively address the root causes of radicalisation and violent extremism. 

What is at stake?

The debate goes far beyond traditional counter-terrorism policy. It raises fundamental questions about:

• How the EU balances security and fundamental rights;
• The role of prevention versus repression in addressing radicalisation;
• The growing influence of online platforms and AI-driven systems in extremist recruitment and dissemination;
• The resilience of democratic institutions and civil society against extremist and foreign influence;
• The protection of vulnerable groups and victims of terrorism;
• The ability of EU Member States to cooperate effectively across intelligence, judicial and law enforcement structures. 

In simple terms, ProtectEU aims to help shape how Europe protects its citizens while preserving the democratic values, freedoms and social cohesion that constitute the foundation of European societies. 

1. Put prevention on an equal footing with security measures

The EESC study group members consider that current EU approaches rely too heavily on repressive tools and insufficiently address the root causes of radicalisation. Prevention, education, social cohesion and democratic resilience should become core pillars of EU counter-terrorism policy. 

2. Strengthen the role of civil society

Organised civil society and social partners remain underrepresented in current prevention frameworks. The study group members call for their systematic participation in EU programmes, early-warning mechanisms and prevention strategies

3. Recognise the changing nature of security threats

Terrorism increasingly overlaps with organised crime, sabotage, foreign interference and hybrid threats. EESC study group members therefore call for a review of the EU definition of terrorism to reflect these evolving realities. 

4. Address the rise of right-wing extremism

While jihadist terrorism remains a significant threat, members highlight the rapid growth of right-wing extremist violence and call for stronger analytical, preventive and operational capacities to address it. 

5. Invest in social resilience and democratic institutions

Strong institutions, social cohesion, quality public services, fair labour markets and inclusive economic conditions are viewed as essential components of long-term security policy. 

6. Protect children and young people online

EESC study group members strongly support the Prevention Toolbox for Minors and stress the importance of education, media literacy, transparency and strong safeguards in digital environments increasingly used by extremist networks. 

7. Strengthen online governance while safeguarding rights

The Committee supports implementation of the Digital Services Act, the AI Act and stronger online-security frameworks, but insists that freedom of expression, data protection and fundamental rights must remain non-negotiable

8. Place victims at the centre

Study group members support creating an EU-wide network of national contact points to assist victims of terrorism in judicial procedures and compensation claims, including in cross-border situations. 

9. Build a genuine European intelligence capability

Members support strengthening the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC) and advocate moving gradually towards a more coherent European intelligence capability to address cross-border threats. 

What is new in this approach?

Compared with previous counter-terrorism discussions, the EESC opinion currently being prepared places greater emphasis on:

• The convergence between terrorism, organised crime and hybrid threats;
• Foreign interference as a driver of radicalisation and destabilisation;
• Civil society and workplaces as spaces for prevention;
• Democratic resilience as a security objective;
• The protection of fundamental rights in digital counter-terrorism measures;
• The need to balance operational security with social cohesion and prevention. 

This reflects a broader understanding of security: preventing terrorism is no longer solely a matter for police and intelligence services, but a societal challenge requiring participation from institutions, social partners, civil society organisations and citizens. 

Are there any voices from the EESC?

Christian Moos, rapporteur for the EESC opinion on ProtectEU: Agenda to prevent and counter terrorism, which is currently being prepared, emphasises that effective counter-terrorism cannot rely exclusively on law-enforcement measures. While stronger intelligence cooperation and enhanced operational capacities are necessary, long-term security depends equally on prevention, democratic resilience, social cohesion and the active participation of organised civil society. 

In his view, the EESC's message is clear:

Europe needs a genuine whole-of-society approach to security. Preventing radicalisation requires not only effective operational tools but also stronger social cohesion, democratic resilience, active civil society participation and respect for fundamental rights. Counter-terrorism succeeds not when freedoms are restricted, but when democratic societies become more resilient to extremism and violence. 

What's next?

The EESC opinion is currently under preparation and is scheduled for adoption in September 2026. 

Upcoming debates are likely to focus on:

• The balance between prevention and repression;
• The role of civil society in counter-radicalisation policies;
• The protection of fundamental rights in online monitoring and AI-based security tools;
• The strengthening of EU intelligence and information-sharing capacities;
• Responses to right-wing extremism, foreign interference and hybrid threats;
• The extent of EU cooperation with online platforms and third countries on security matters. 

As legislative discussions advance, a central question will remain: how can the European Union strengthen security while safeguarding the democratic freedoms and social cohesion that terrorism ultimately seeks to undermine?

Christian MOOS (Germany)

Member, EESC Civil Society Organisations' Group 

EESC rapporteur, SOC/867 ProtectEU: Agenda to prevent and counter terrorism (to be put to the vote of the EESC plenary in September 2026) 

Divisional Director (European and International Affairs), German Civil Service Association (dbb)