Who we are – European Forum for Urban Security

The European Forum for Urban Security (Efus) is the only European network dedicated to fostering discussion, cooperation and support among local and regional authorities in the field of crime prevention and urban security. Founded in 1987, it brings together nearly 250 cities and regions from 17 countries.

Recognised for its expertise by national and European institutions, Efus is a network that represents the diversity of territories and promotes the exchange of experience between local and regional authorities beyond political affiliations, according to the principle of: cities helping cities.

Our objectives

To promote a balanced vision of urban security combining prevention, sanctions and social cohesion

To support local and regional authorities in the design, implementation and evaluation of their local security policies

To reinforce the role of local elected officials within national and European governance

Our approach to urban security

Efus promotes a holistic approach to urban security, which involves all local actors and citizens in the co-production of policies. Therefore, Efus:

affirms the central role of local elected representatives and their role as guarantors of democratic principles;

considers security to be a fundamental right and advocates for policies that guarantee the protection of human rights;

chooses prevention as a rational and strategic approach, which promotes social cohesion in the long term.

Our work topics

The work topics that Efus covers are chosen according to member local and regional authorities’ demands and local security issues. They are managed as part of cooperation projects that can be either local, national or European. For over 30 years, Efus has been working on cross-cutting topics linked to urban security such as nightlife, risky behaviours, gang violence, violent radicalisation, new technologies, violence against women, etc.

Go to our topics section to learn more.

Our activities

As actors in the network, Efus member local and regional authorities contribute to its development. Joining Efus means engaging with these local and regional authorities and gaining access to:

A European and international network of local and regional authorities, partners and experts;

Participation in working groups, cooperation projects and the preparation of thematic publications and policy recommendations;

Support in the design, implementation and evaluation of local security policies;

Representation before national and European authorities through advocacy;

Participation in online seminars and thematic conferences with a European and international dimension;

Participation in thematic trainings, field visits and study tours to promote local experiences;

Access to Efus Network, the collaborative web platform reserved exclusively for the network.

Go to our activities section to learn more.

Learn more about our activities

Our 2024 activity report

Efus, a network on the move

Learn more about our network

Our deontological guidelines

Efus was awarded the IDEAS Label for the second time in 2019. This label attests to the implementation of good practices in terms of governance, financial management and monitoring the effectiveness of the action. It is a guarantee of seriousness and confidence for funders and donors. For more information, visit their website.