Local and regional authorities must be recognised as strategic partners in European security policy and be fully involved in the implementation of the European Commission's ProtectEU Agenda, stressed Olgierd Geblewicz (PL/EPP), President of the West Pomerania Region and rapporteur of the European Committee of the Regions' opinion on ProtectEU. Speaking during a CIVEX Commission exchange of views at the Committee of the Regions, Geblewicz highlighted the crucial role of cities and regions in preventing radicalisation, protecting critical infrastructure, strengthening resilience against cyber and hybrid threats, and safeguarding public spaces. He also underlined the need for adequate funding, stronger cooperation with European agencies and greater involvement of local and regional authorities in shaping security policies.
"Security can only be effective if it is built through genuine cooperation across all levels of governance. Local and regional authorities are not merely stakeholders in this process. We are essential partners. Whether we speak about protecting public spaces, safeguarding critical infrastructure, preventing radicalisation, responding to crises or rebuilding trust after an incident, cities and regions are often the first actors to act and the closest to the citizens we serve," said Geblewicz.
During the debate, Geblewicz emphasised that prevention must become a central pillar of European security policy. Countering radicalisation, particularly among young people, requires sustained engagement through schools, local communities and social services. He highlighted the importance of education, integration policies and digital skills development, as well as cooperation through initiatives such as the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation and the Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme (CEEP). He also stressed the need to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and digital systems, including hospitals, transport networks, energy and water systems, which are increasingly exposed to cyber and hybrid threats. Furthermore, he called for a "security by design" approach to better protect public spaces while preserving openness, accessibility and fundamental rights.
The European Commission's ProtectEU Agenda aims to strengthen the Union's capacity to prevent and counter terrorism through a more integrated approach combining prevention, preparedness, protection and response. The initiative seeks to improve cooperation between all levels of governance and relevant European agencies while addressing emerging security challenges linked to radicalisation, cyberattacks, hybrid threats and the protection of critical infrastructure.
The debate was chaired by Frank Proust (FR/EPP), Councillor of Nîmes Métropole and First Vice-Chair of the CIVEX Commission of the European Committee of the Regions.