Efus resolution on the ProtectEU Strategy and the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework(MFF)
Adopted by Efus’ Executive Committee on 3 February 2026
Preamble
In the face of increasing security, social, digital, and climate crises, the European Union has launched a new momentum with the ProtectEU strategy, aiming to strengthen internal security through a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
The European Forum for Urban Security (Efus) welcomes this ambition as well as the commitment to better integrate prevention, resilience and security. We are convinced that the success of ProtectEU and the coherence of the future 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will depend on the full integration of cities and local authorities, the primary actors of local and community security.
Shared governance for effective security
The ProtectEU strategy provides for a massive strengthening of operational capacities (Europol, Frontex) and technological tools. While these investments are necessary, they cannot constitute the sole response to contemporary challenges.
> Formal integration of local authorities: Like the European Committee of the Regions*, Efus regrets the current absence of formal mechanisms involving cities in the governance of ProtectEU. We call for the creation of consultation bodies allowing mayors to contribute to threat analyses and the steering of policies.
> Recognition of the preventive role: While security falls within the sovereign competence of Member States**, this should not obscure the essential preventive, educational and coordinating role of local authorities in implementing European law and ensuring social cohesion.
> Link with the Urban Agenda and the upcoming 2026-2030 Drugs Strategy: Security must be a cross-cutting dimension of all European policies, particularly in the Urban Agenda and the new Drugs Strategy, to ensure that urban planning, social cohesion and local prevention actions effectively contribute to citizen security.
Budgetary challenges: preserving social cohesion and subsidiarity
The first proposals for the future European budget (MFF 2028-2034) raise concerns about a decline in local autonomy and resources allocated to local and everyday security. The territorial cohesion policy could be weakened, without clear earmarking of specific funds for cities and territories.
Efus recalls that:
> Risk of recentralisation: Excessive centralisation of funding at the national level may limit cities’ effective access to European funds. Efus advocates for direct and guaranteed access for cities to European funding.
> Cohesion-Defence balance: The potential reduction of cohesion budgets to prioritise defence and technological security is a major concern. Local prevention and resilience must remain budgetary priorities. Weakening cohesion policies would undermine long-term security.
Five priority areas for a resilient Europe
To strengthen coherence between ProtectEU and the MFF 2028-2034, Efus calls on European institutions to:
> Strengthen shared governance
Involve cities and regions in the strategic orientations and implementation mechanisms of ProtectEU.
> Ensure direct access to European funding
Provide clear and simple mechanisms enabling local authorities to finance prevention and urban security actions.
> Support a balanced approach to drug policies
Combine prevention, public health and targeted action against criminal networks, also drawing on local expertise.
> Invest in local skills, civic engagement, and youth
Develop training for local actors in risk, crisis and emerging threat management. Support local programmes to raise public awareness, train youth in first aid and promote civic engagement.
> Strengthen the cyber-resilience of territories
Allocate part of European digital investments to the protection of local infrastructures.
Conclusion
European security cannot be effective or sustainable without a strong partnership with territories. Cities and local authorities are strategic actors in security, prevention and democratic resilience.
Efus calls for a new pact of trust between the European Union, Member States and local & regional authorities to make Europe a space of security based on proximity, cohesion and cooperation.
* Committee of the Regions, CIVEX-VIII/006, 169th plenary session of 10-11 December 2025, OPINION Local and Regional Perspectives in the Implementation of the European Internal Security Strategy ProtectEU. Rapporteur: Anne Rudisuhli
** (Art. 4, §2 of the TUE)
