European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has announced the creation of a European intelligence unit to ensure that information on terrorists and foreign fighters is automatically shared among national intelligence services and with police forces. At present, the EU response to cross-border threats is not quick enough, he said.
In the wake of that announcement, on which he gave no detail or set any timetable, Juncker also suggested that the new European public prosecutor should be made responsible for prosecuting cross-border terrorist crimes. A source has said that this initiative could see the light of day towards the end of October as part of the security package.
European cyber-security agency. Juncker also announced on Wednesday that a European cyber-security agency would be set up. Proposals are expected to be unveiled next week. Europe is not well equipped to fend off cyber-attacks, he said. Last year, at least 80% of European businesses experienced at least one cyber-attack. For that reason, new tools are required and he advocates a European cyber-security agency “to help defend us against such attacks”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)