Joint Europol-ESDC seminar on external and internal security of the EU

On 5 and 6 July, Europol and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) organised jointly a seminar on internal and external security of the EU. The seminar took place at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague.

The main objective of the seminar was to identify synergies between Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) actors and Europol, so they can better address key security challenges, such as terrorism and facilitated illegal migration.

The seminar was open to both civilian and military personnel from EU Member States, EU Institutions/Agencies and numerous international organisations. The event gathered over 90 senior experts. Opening the seminar, Europol Deputy Executive Director, Mr Luis de Eusebio Ramos said the following "Europol is very good in addressing internal security challenges, connecting investigations and dismantling sophisticated criminal groups. What we still need to strengthen is the ability to address challenges outside of the EU, in places where they emerge. This cannot be done without the EEAS, CSDP missions and full involvement of the Member States that have their diplomatic and military assets abroad."

Apart from plenary discussions, participants worked in thematic groups addressing specific issues, such as intelligence gaps, information exchange and capacity building.