Internal Security Fund (2021–2027)

 

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EU) 2021/1149 establishing the Internal Security Fund

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

It aims to help ensure a high level of security in the European Union (EU), in particular by preventing and combating terrorism and radicalisation, serious and organised crime, and cybercrime.

KEY POINTS

The Internal Security Fund (ISF) 2021–2027 is one of several funds set up by the EU in the area of freedom, justice and security. Other funds include:

• the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (see summary) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1147;
• the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (see summary), established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund.

The ISF is governed by the Common Provisions Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 — see summary)

Objectives

The ISF has three specific objectives:

• to improve and facilitate the exchange of information between and within competent authorities and relevant EU bodies, offices and agencies and, where relevant, with non-EU countries and international organisations;
• to improve and intensify cross-border cooperation, including joint operations, between competent authorities in relation to terrorism and serious and organised crime with a cross-border dimension; and
• to help strengthen EU Member States’ capabilities to prevent and combat crime, terrorism and radicalisation and help them to manage security-related incidents, risks and crises.

Budget and allocation of funds

• The ISF has a budget of €1.931 billion for 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027, the duration of the multiannual financial framework. This sum is allocated as follows:
  • €1.352 billion for Member States’ programmes;
  • €579 million for the ‘thematic facility’ — to be used for specific actions, direct management actions at EU level and emergency assistance.
• A Member State must submit payment claims covering at least 10% of its initial programme allocation to be eligible for an additional allocation under its programme at the mid-term review in 2024.
• Member States must allocate at least 10% of their programme resources to the specific objectives relating to information exchange and cross-border cooperation.

Actions

The ISF supports a wide range of actions, including:

• setting up, adapting and maintaining ICT systems and associated training and testing, as well as improving interoperability and data quality;
• monitoring the implementation of EU law and policy objectives in Member States in the area of security information systems;
• implementing operations or facilitating the implementation of the EU policy cycle — European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (Empact);
• educating and training relevant law enforcement and judicial authorities and administrative agencies.

Actions limited to the maintenance of public order at national level and actions for military or defence purposes are not be eligible.

Equipment purchase and operational support

The regulation places certain limits on Member States’ use of its allocation:

• up to 35% can be used to purchase equipment or means of transport or to finance the construction of security-relevant facilities;
• up to 20% can be used to support public authorities carrying out tasks and services which provide a public service to the EU.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since 1 January 2021.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

• Internal Security Fund (European Commission).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Regulation (EU) 2021/1149 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Internal Security Fund (OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, pp. 94–131).

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Regulation (EU) 2021/1147 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, pp. 1–47).

Successive amendments to Regulation (EU) 2021/1147 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, pp. 48–93).

Council conclusions on the permanent continuation of the EU Policy Cycle for organised and serious international crime: EMPACT 2022 + (Council of the European Union, 26.2.2021).

last update 27.09.2021