In the current geopolitical context, characterised by growing instability, notably due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and increasing complexity of security threats, as well as by climate change effects such as an increase in unusual climate events or water scarcity, the Union must remain vigilant and adapt constantly. Citizens, companies and authorities in the Union rely on critical infrastructure 1  because of the essential services that the entities operating such infrastructure provide. Such services are crucial for the maintenance of vital societal functions, economic activities, public health and safety or the environment and must be provided in an unobstructed manner in the internal market.

Therefore, due to the importance of these essential services for the internal market and, consequently, the need to make critical infrastructure more resilient and, more broadly, to ensure the resilience of critical entities providing these services, the Union must take measures to enhance such resilience and mitigate any disruptions in the provision of such essential services. Such disruptions may otherwise have serious consequences for citizens in the Union, our economies and trust in our democratic systems and may affect the smooth functioning of the internal market, in particular in a context of growing interdependencies between sectors and across borders.

The European Commission has presented an EU Action Plan on Drone and Counter Drone Security for a united approach against threats posed by malicious drones.

The Action plan presents practical solutions for improved prevention of incidents, detection of drones, response to malicious drone activities and strengthening Europe’s defence readiness against drone threats.

The Action Plan represents an ambitious blueprint for stronger EU cooperation and solidarity, responding to the calls from EU Member States and the European Parliament for a united EU approach against threats posed by malicious drones. It focuses on the civilian internal security dimension, while complementing and supporting the work carried out in the defence domain by the Commission, and reinforcing civil-military synergies.

In addition, the Action Plan contributes to the development of a competitive European drone market, unlocking the potential for innovation, growth and job creation across this important sector.

On 11 September, the European Commission issued a Communication with new guidelines aimed at strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure across the EU.

The Communication offers recommendations and practical guidance to help EU countries identify critical entities in 11 key sectors, including energy, transport, drinking and wastewater, food, banking, and digital infrastructure. It also provides the necessary tools to ensure a structured approach as regards reporting on the outcome of risk assessments across these sectors.

The European Union is facing unprecedented threats – from geopolitical tensions and conflicts, cybersecurity and information manipulation risks, to climate change and increasing risks of natural hazards. To boost the EU's ability to anticipate, prevent, and respond to these threats, the Commission has presented the preparedness union strategy.

Today the Commission and High Representative launch the Preparedness Union Strategy to support Member States and enhance Europe's capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats.

It comes as the European Union is facing increasingly complex crises and challenges that cannot be ignored. From growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, to climate change and increasing natural disasters, the EU needs to be ready to protect its citizens and the key societal functions that are crucial for democracy and daily life.