Internal, External, Digital, Comprehensive? The EU’s Changing Operational Environment

The operational environment of the European Union is evolving and transforming. In the wake of the pandemic, digitalization and shared responsibility for security and comprehensiveness have been emphasized. Europe’s recovery, security, and digital growth now require the involvement of European citizens, non-governmental organizations, and companies more than ever before, in addition to traditional security actors. The emphasis on comprehensiveness and digitalization is evident in various action programs and strategies implemented by the EU.

The purpose of the project was to support a broad Finnish discussion on two key themes related to the changing operational environment: shared, comprehensive security in the European Union, and the EU’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights and security in the digital environment.

The components of the project were:

1. Discussion Event: We organized a discussion event with the European Movement in Finland titled “Comprehensive Security in the European Union.” The opening speech was delivered by Member of the European Parliament Henna Virkkunen, and the expert panel included Ari Evwaraye, Strategy Director at the Ministry of the Interior, as well as Maria Mekri and Mirva Salminen from SaferGlobe. The event or its video was followed by 151 people.
2. “Euroopan Suunta” Podcast: Examining the EU’s Comprehensive Security. Hosted by Aku Aarva, with guests Ari Evwaraye, Strategy Director at the Ministry of the Interior, and Maria Mekri, Executive Director of SaferGlobe.
3. “Rauhankäyntiä” Podcast: Interdependence, Crisis Preparedness, and the EU’s Future Security Priorities.Featuring a discussion with Ville Similä and Johanna Puiro, both serving as special advisors focusing on security issues at Finland’s EU Representation in Brussels.
4. Social Media Campaign: A dedicated social media campaign was created for the project on SaferGlobe’s channels, featuring its own graphic design.
5. Policy Brief “Cybersecurity in the European Union”: A policy brief titled “Cybersecurity in the European Union” was published as part of the project.