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The Netherlands EU Presidency Prioritises Tackling the Migration Crisis

On 1st January, the Netherlands assumed presidency of the European Council for a six month term. In its work programme, the Netherlands has pinpointed the key areas it will focus on during its Presidency. These are: (1) migration and international security; (2) sound finances and a robust Eurozone, (3) Europe as an innovator and job creator, and (4) forward-looking climate change and energy policy. Interlinked with these focus areas are the three basic principles that will guide the Netherlands Presidency – a Union that focuses on the essentials, a Union that creates innovative growth and jobs, and a Union that connects with society.


Dealing with the current migration crisis is a prime topic mentioned throughout the work programme of the Netherlands Presidency. The threats on the external borders are linked with greater risks inside the EU. It will be necessary to find an appropriate response. The Netherlands suggests that creating stronger links between internal and external policy could be a starting point. A priority of the Netherlands Presidency will be to more effectively control Europe’s external borders, improve the initial reception of refugees in Europe and in the region, and share the burden fairly amongst EU Member States.

To enhance the security of the European Union, the Netherlands will seek to accelerate the elaboration and implementation of the migration package and the early completion of the strategic review of the EU Foreign and Security Policy. The Netherlands will make sure that the themes of security and defence are firmly embedded in future European defence cooperation and related legislation. An over-arching aim of the Netherlands Presidency will be to contribute to a safer, more just and future-proof world.


The Netherlands Presidency work programme is available here.

First EU-wide Legislation on Cybersecurity Agreed

On 8th December 2015 the three key European Union institutions – the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Council – agreed on the first EU-wide legislation on cybersecurity. The Directive on Network and Information Society aims to improve cybersecurity capabilities in Member States and to enhance cooperation between Member States on cybersecurity-related issues. The new legislation will require operators to introduce increased security measures to protect their activities. This will, in particular, apply to operators of essential services, including, for example, those active in the energy, transport, banking, and healthcare sectors.

After the agreement of all three institutions, they will each have to approve it formally. The new legislation will then be published in the EU Official Journal. Afterwards, Member States will be given a period of 21 months to implement the Directive into their national legislative frameworks and six more months to identify operators of essential services.

Press release from the European Commission is available here.

General Data Protection Regulation Adopted

The controversial General Data Protection Regulation was adopted by the European institutions on 15th December 2015. The aim of the new Regulation is to make Europe ready for the digital age and to enable people to better control their personal data.

More specifically, the Regulation provides individuals with the right to easier access to their own data, the right to data portability, the right to be forgotten, as well as the right to know when their data has been hacked. For businesses, the new Regulation will help cut red tape, increase consumer trust, and make better use of the opportunities provided by the Digital Single Market.

The Regulation also gives greater powers to national law enforcement authorities, which, under the Regulation, will be able to exchange the information necessary for investigations more efficiently and effectively. This will lead to improved cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other serious crimes in Europe.

Following political agreement reached in trilogue, the final texts will be formally adopted by the EP and Council at the beginning of 2016. The new rules will become applicable two years thereafter.

Press release from the European Commission is available here.

PSCE White Papers

PSCE is pleased to inform you about its new publication series called PSCE White Papers which will be published on a regular basis at least once a month.

PSCE White Papers are short reports or guides that will inform readers concisely about complex issues in the public safety communication domain. They are meant to help readers to understand an issue, solve a problem, or eventually make a decision.

PSCE White Papers are available here.

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