Brussels, 26 February 2026
Today, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism, setting out the way forward to reinforce Europe’s collective response to evolving terrorist and violent extremist threats.
The EU has strengthened its response to terrorism and violent extremism over the past decade. However, the evolving nature of these threats requires an adapted and stronger response. A flagship initiative under the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU, the agenda puts forward a comprehensive set of cross sectoral initiatives to step up preparedness and response, better protecting people and businesses in the EU from harm.
The growing misuse of digital and new technologies, from social media and artificial intelligence to 3D-printed weapons and drones, is reshaping terrorist activity. At the same time, radicalisation of minors is rising, with young people increasingly targeted online. Geopolitical developments and the involvement of state and non-state actors further deteriorate the threat landscape.
The Commission proposes to increase the EU’s foresight and resilience, to enhance the security of people online and offline, and step up cooperation with international partners. The agenda proposes measures to meet these objectives across six key pillars:
1. Anticipating threats
Security relies on effective ability to anticipate. The agenda proposes measures to improve situational awareness and the early detection of emerging threats, such as:
- increasing the resources and capacities of intelligence analysis at EU level, called Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC);
- reinforcing Europol’s analytical support capacities, including open-source intelligence (OSINT) capabilities;
- strengthening security research on emerging technologies (including AI, crypto-assets, drones, and 3D-printed weapons), with dedicated calls under Horizon Europe and the EU Internal Security Fund.
2. Preventing radicalisation
Preventing radicalisation remains the most effective long-term strategy. The agenda proposes measures to strengthen early prevention and tailored interventions for those most at risk. This includes:
- a Prevention Toolbox created by the Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation, to provide practical tools for countering the radicalisation of minors;
- A €5 million Community Engagement and Empowerment Programme supporting projects that focus on early prevention of radicalisation, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, digital resilience and community cohesion.
3. Protecting people online
The online ecosystem remains central for terrorist and violent extremist activity, including propaganda, recruitment, incitement to violence, fundraising and broadcasting of attacks. The Commission will:
- consider revising the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, based on its evaluation in 2026 and rigorously enforce the Digital Services Act;
- strengthen voluntary cooperation with online service providers through the EU Internet Forum, to expedite the removal of terrorist content and reduced space for online radicalisation and recruitment;
- upgrade the EU Crisis Protocol into an EU Online Crisis Response Framework to enhance cooperation between law enforcement authorities and online service providers at an early stage before a crisis fully emerges.
4. Protecting people in the physical environment
The agenda sets out to increase the security of people, public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks.
To enhance the detection and monitoring of individuals posing a terrorist threat to the EU, the Commission will:
- propose a way forward on a ‘post-hit procedure’, in the context of the evaluation of the Schengen Information System. This will encourage sharing of information on terrorism-related alerts in the Schengen Information System with volunteering Member States;
- explore options to expand the framework on advanced travel information to include private flights, maritime, and land transport (which is currently limited to commercial air transport).
In addition, to strengthen the security of public spaces and critical infrastructure, the Commission:
- is investing €30 million in projects aimed at improving the overall security of public spaces, and
- will strengthen the EU Protective Security Advisory Programme both financially and operationally, to meet the growing demand by Member States for support in conducting vulnerability assessments of public spaces and critical infrastructures.
5. Responding to threats and attacks
A swift and effective response to terrorist threats and attacks requires strong law enforcement and judicial cooperation, including stepping up the fight against terrorism financing and the potential misuse of EU funds for promoting extremism and terrorism. The Agenda aims to:
- improve the tracking of terrorist financing, including through cryptocurrencies and online payments with a future EU Financial Data Retrieval System;
- revise Europol and Eurojust’s mandates which will also strengthen operational and judicial support to Member States in combatting terrorism;
- implement the Roadmap on lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement, to ensure faster and more coordinated investigations and prosecutions.
6. Cooperation with international partners
Stronger global cooperation with trusted partner countries is essential to step up the fight against terrorism. Key actions include:
- strengthening Europol and Eurojust’s external cooperation on counterterrorism with third countries;
- strengthening Europol’s cooperation with trusted partners to obtain data on individuals posing a terrorist threat;
- deeper cooperation with enlargement partners and partners in the Mediterranean region. This includes implementing the Joint Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism with the Western Balkans and increasing the activities of the Knowledge Hub in these countries.
For more information
- ProtectEU: Agenda to prevent and counter terrorism
- Factsheet
- European Internal Security Strategy
- 2020 Counter-Terrorism Agenda for the EU
Quote(s)
Our new ProtectEU Agenda on Preventing and Countering Terrorism represents a vital step forward in safeguarding Europe’s values and protecting people against terrorism. It is a testament to our commitment to unity and resilience, combining advanced technology, strong action in the online environment, with international cooperation to anticipate and counter threats. We are resolute in supporting Member States with the tools and resources they need to combat terrorism and violent extremism effectively.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
The security of Europeans is our highest priority. As terrorist groups increasingly seek to radicalise younger people and exploit the online space, we must step up our response. The ProtectEU Agenda on Preventing and Countering Terrorism sets our path forward – preventing attacks before they happen and responding decisively when they do. This means following the money with new tools to track financial data, strengthening our online response by swiftly taking down terrorist content, and making full use of our new digital border management systems to detect and stop threats before they reach our communities.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration
Source – EU Commission
Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen and Commissioner Brunner on the New EU Agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism and the Proposal for a Directive on combating firearms trafficking
Brussels, 26 February 2026
“Check against delivery”
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, the college has adopted two major files to make Europe a safer place for its citizens: the Counter-Terrorism agenda and the proposal for a firearms trafficking directive.
The European Union is built on freedom, security, and justice. Terrorism is a direct attack on these values. Ten years ago, we witnessed devastating terrorist attacks in Brussels, and before that, in Paris. The threat of terrorism is no stranger to the rest of Europe, either.
Today, I want to outline the concrete steps we are taking to keep Europe safe.
The threat of terrorism remains high in Europe. However, the nature of terrorism has changed:
Terrorism today is more diffuse and increasingly digital – with lone actors, much younger perpetrators and strong links to crime, cyber activity and foreign interference. Radicalisation now happens largely online.
And this picture is further complicated by the geopolitical developments.
Our counter-terrorism agenda addresses these new threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism. I will focus next on the online dimension, Magnus will explain more in depth the other pillars of the agenda.
The online world plays a key role in enabling terrorism—whether through recruitment, fundraising, or bringing attacks to the public’s attention.
Extremist networks adapt quickly, exploit emerging technologies and shift from open platforms to exploiting closed chats and encrypted services.
The Terrorist Content Online (TCO) Regulation has been instrumental in countering dissemination of terrorist material, enabling rapid removal of terrorist content. By December 2025, more than 2000 removal orders and more than 95,000 referrals for voluntary removals have been sent by Member States’ authorities.
This shows the importance of the TCO Regulation. And this is why we will explore how to strengthen it even further.
We will also step up the enforcement of the DSA to mitigate systemic risks related to the dissemination of terrorist and violent extremist content. Holding platforms accountable and enforcing our rules will continue being a key element of our response.
This goes hand in hand with our reinforced voluntary cooperation with Platforms. For this we will reinforce the EU Internet Forum. And we’ll foster closer cooperation also with the European Board for Digital Services, to improve joint action and speed up responses.
We will also work on ensuring effective and coordinated crisis responses online: we will integrate the EU Online Crisis Response Framework under the DSA. This will allow coordinated and effective responses following terrorist attacks with major impacts online.
The protection of children is a central aspect of our Agenda. The number of minors involved in terrorism and violent extremism has increased sharply across Europe.
In 2024, almost one third of terrorist suspects in the EU were under 20, with the youngest only 12 years old.
We will put forward later this year an Action Plan on the Protection of Children against Crime, which will include measures to address radicalisation and recruitment into crime both online and offline.
The Commission will also build on the activities of the Knowledge Hub and develop a Prevention Toolbox for Minors, including a Parents’ Guide to Protecting Young Minds from Radicalisation in the online environment.
Terrorists increasingly exploit online gaming to spread propaganda and recruit followers, including minors. We will increase cooperation between the gaming sector and the law enforcement community. The security aspects of online gaming will also be a key part of the overall strategy on video games the Commission will present later this year.
Our Counter-terrorism agenda comes with a simple main goal: keeping our citizens, our democracies, and our economy safe, in a committed and united way.
I will say couple of words also on the illicit firearms trafficking directive before giving the floor to Magnus.
Illicit firearms remain a serious internal security threat: annually they cause 1300 deaths in Europe.
Illicit firearms fuel gang violence, robberies, and other crimes. We see the direct impacts of gang violence and shootings in several of our Member States, impacting community safety and trust. And these risks that are amplified by new technologies like 3D printing and shifts in geopolitics.
Today, there are significant differences between Member States on how firearms related offenses are defined and punished.
It is important to stress that this proposal does not affect legal firearms – existing rules for lawful ownership and trade remain fully intact.
What this proposal does is to close security gaps by introducing minimum harmonisation EU rules on offences and penalties, improving cross-border cooperation, and strengthening data collection.
The digital dimension is central: online sharing of 3D-print blueprints accelerates illicit manufacturing, and strong enforcement of the Digital Services Act is key to tackling illegal weapons online.
We are in fact proceeding full speed on this front – just last week we opened formal investigations on Shein and their systems to limit the sale of illegal products. We have detected illegal items including, among others, offensive weapons like knuckle dusters.
In short, we are putting forward a much-needed legislative proposal. To make Europe safer, responding to today’s threats and being prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. We are balancing carefully Member States’ competences, and we are giving the authorities the tools to act faster, cooperate better, and protect communities.
I want to thank you Magnus for the good cooperation and intense work on these key files.
***
EU Commissioner Brunner
Ladies and gentlemen,
To our collective credit, Europe is one of the safest places in the world. With ProtectEU, our internal security strategy, our goal is to keep it that way.
And today, as we launch ProtectEU: Counterterrorism and the Firearms trafficking directive, we deliver two key proposals.
Keeping Europe safe is getting harder to do, because the world is becoming more uncertain. Conflicts might start far away, but they can reach our streets and our digital spaces quickly. And we know: Terrorists don’t fight fair – they exploit any weakness they find.
Most worrying of all: they target our children. Terrorists use gaming platforms to radicalise and recruit, they use encrypted chats, and social media feeds, and they are successful in what they do: Almost 1 out of 3 terrorist suspects in the EU are under the age of 20.
So we propose to confront this many-sided problem across 6 pillars. Security relies on our effective ability to be prepared. To improve early detection of emerging threats, we must:
- increase the intelligence analysis at EU level, called Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC);
- reinforce Europol’s analytical support capacities, including open-source intelligence (OSINT);
- And strengthen security research on emerging technologies (Horizon, Internal Security Fund).
So that when there are terrorist threats, we recognise these early using, preferably using EU intelligence. Too often, we are dependent from the US, like for the Taylor Swift concert that was cancelled in Vienna last summer.
The most effective way to stop terrorism is prevention. This is about winning hearts and minds, but also giving our citizens the tools they need to stand up to violent extremism and terrorism.
With the EU Knowledge Hub, we have a network of experts who help navigate these dangers and build resilience against radicalisation.
And we are backing those efforts with funding: EUR 5 Million for concrete projects, like youth-led campaigns on social media showing how to challenge extremist ideas, or parent guidance programmes to help families understand what children see online.
Prevention is important, but we must also go after the terrorists.
The fact is, no matter how much we work with communities, some hearts and minds cannot be won over through dialogue.
We go after them online by taking down terrorist content. Already over 100,000 pieces of harmful content have been removed by platforms – demonstrating their will to cooperate.
Our ambition is to go much further. Next week’s EU Internet Forum Ministerial meeting will provide a stage for that work. We are also going after the terrorists in the physical world.
First, with smart borders. Our IT border systems, once fully deployed will be the best in the world: EES (already, after 120 days: 30 million entries/exits, 16 000 unauthorised crossings, 400 of these potential terrorist threats), SIS and VIS.
With them, we have a powerful searchlight to find the terrorists hiding in the dark: with fingerprints and facial images, we can identify and stop them when they try to enter the EU, and with better sharing of ‘hits’ through the Schengen Information System, there will be less darkness for them to hide in.
Next is drones: We are putting in place new measures to stop the misuse of drones for terror attacks – like we saw in Sudan last week, where 28 people lost their lives.
Finally, guns. I will talk about our new firearms trafficking rules in a moment. Going after terrorists also means going after their money.
Too often, we rely on data from third countries to effectively combat and prevent terrorist threats. With a new EU-wide system to retrieve financial data and track financing using crypto or online payments. This is a matter of strategic autonomy.
And with more resources for Europol and Eurojust to carry out financial forensics.
For all of this, we need to step up our international cooperation. Terrorism never stops at borders. So our strategy cannot either.
Today, the Council adopted the reform of the EU sanctions regime to combat terrorism (‘EU Terrorist List’) making it more effective, operational and agile.
And we want to pursue more cooperation agreements – for example in the Western Balkans.
Turning now to our proposal for a Firearms Trafficking Directive.
First thing to say: we are not proposing any changes on legal firearms ownership, for legitimate purposes. We already have solid rules in place. But as I said before, the world around us is changing. New technologies can also present new challenges.
And we need to prepare for all scenarios, if a ceasefire or even an end to the Russian war of aggression comes to pass.
This risks a surge in illegal weapons trafficking. If you need any more proof, authorities are still confiscating weapons from the Yugoslav wars, almost thirty years later!
So today, we are proposing to establish EU-wide rules on criminalising illegal firearms production and trafficking.
Serious offences should have serious consequences. The new rules will set a baseline for maximum penalties for crimes such as trafficking and manufacturing illicit firearms.
It will also improve coordination between Member States. By setting up national focal points to track illegal firearms and keep their peers informed about misused firearms (eg. Vienna shooting in 2020, terrorist brought in weapon from another MS).
Finally, we are closing the gaps around 3D-printed weapons, with new penalities for making, possessing or sharing the blueprints needed to print firearms without authorisation.
Whether it is about terrorism, illicit firearms or the other actions under our security agenda, the goal is the same: to Protect the EU and to Protect our Citizens.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission