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Sauli Niinistö, former president of Finland and special adviser to the European Commission president, has published a major report, Safer Together: Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness, which presents a detailed strategy to bolster the European Union’s readiness for modern threats.
Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical, environmental, and technological challenges, the report lays out a comprehensive framework to integrate civilian and military efforts and ensure the EU’s security.
A new era of risk
The report identifies the EU’s current security environment as one of significant instability, marked by events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate-driven disasters, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
These crises demonstrate the need for the EU and its member states to transition from reactive crisis management to a proactive, integrated approach that can anticipate multi-sectoral and cross-border threats.
Niinistö asserts, “Security is the foundation of everything we hold dear,” framing it as essential for maintaining democracy, economic stability, and societal well-being.
The report stresses that EU preparedness must be a core element of governance, extending across sectors to ensure resilience against a variety of threats.
Key questions guiding the report
The comprehensive analysis in Niinistö’s report is based on several guiding questions:
- How can the EU improve risk identification, anticipatory analysis, and early warning mechanisms to ensure coordinated, swift action?
- What strategies can break down sectoral silos and integrate civilian and military preparedness across the EU?
- How can the EU align its response mechanisms to prevent, respond to, and recover from crises, ensuring coordination at both the EU and national levels?
- What approaches will foster stronger civil-military cooperation, public-private partnerships, and the use of international alliances?
- How can the EU enhance public awareness and engage citizens in building societal resilience?
These guiding questions ensure that the recommendations address both immediate and strategic needs.
Blueprint for comprehensive preparedness
Niinistö advocates for a “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” approach to preparedness. The report outlines measures including:
- EU Risk Assessment Framework: Proposes a comprehensive approach that evaluates all hazards, from health and environmental crises to cyberattacks and geopolitical conflicts, mapping necessary capabilities for response.
- Strengthened EU-NATO Collaboration: Recommends deepened cooperation between the EU and NATO to align resources and strategies, facilitating coherent responses to crises.
- Integrating Preparedness into Policy: Suggests embedding security considerations into new EU legislative efforts to create policies that are inherently supportive of resilience.
- Optimised Crisis Management Structures: Calls for the enhancement of existing mechanisms, such as the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements, to ensure efficient coordination across sectors.
Deterrence through preparedness
The report highlights that comprehensive preparedness can serve as a deterrent to adversaries. Demonstrating the ability to respond effectively to threats reduces the incentive for malicious actors to initiate aggressive actions.
This concept of “deterrence by denial” positions the EU as a cohesive force capable of resisting hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.
Addressing structural challenges
Niinistö’s analysis points out that while progress has been made, EU institutions still face legal and operational limitations that can slow down crisis response.
The report urges improvements in the ability to mobilise civilian and military resources quickly and advocates for clearer roles within EU and member state structures to reduce procedural barriers.
The report also notes that refining Articles 42.7 TEU and 222 TFEU, which cover mutual assistance and solidarity, could make these measures more applicable to modern threats, including cyber and hybrid attacks.
Empowering citizens and public-private partnerships
A notable focus in the report is on public engagement. Niinistö emphasises that involving citizens in preparedness efforts not only builds resilience but fosters trust.
The report calls for educational campaigns that raise public awareness and equip individuals with practical knowledge, without inducing unnecessary fear.
The report also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships. Businesses play an essential role in crisis response, from maintaining critical infrastructure to supplying key services. Niinistö suggests establishing stronger public-private frameworks that facilitate shared information, joint exercises, and collaboration during crises.
Economic resilience and strategic stockpiling
Drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, the report stresses the need for a strategic EU-wide stockpiling approach.
Maintaining reserves of essential goods, medical supplies, and raw materials would mitigate potential disruptions and strengthen economic stability.
Such measures would help the EU manage dependencies on external suppliers and enhance its strategic autonomy.
Climate change as a threat multiplier
Niinistö’s report identifies climate change as a significant risk multiplier, heightening existing security threats and creating new ones.
The report recommends that the EU integrate climate resilience measures into its broader security strategy to prepare for the impact of extreme weather events and related challenges, which can disrupt infrastructure, economy, and society.
Leveraging technology and innovation
The report highlights the role of technological innovation in strengthening the EU’s preparedness.
Dual-use technologies—those applicable in both civilian and military contexts—are seen as crucial for enhancing response capabilities.
Niinistö encourages partnerships that foster technological development and ensure that new tools support crisis management and strategic foresight.
Implications for cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery
Niinistö’s recommendations have significant implications for professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery:
Cybersecurity: The focus on hybrid threats implies a stronger emphasis on integrated cyber defense measures. Cybersecurity teams will need to prioritize collaborative defense strategies and enhance threat intelligence sharing across public and private sectors.
Information Governance: The report’s push for improved data-sharing protocols and situational awareness will likely lead to more rigorous standards for managing and protecting data. This will be crucial for ensuring the continuity of vital services during crises.
eDiscovery: Legal and compliance teams must adapt to the emphasis on cross-border cooperation and rapid data access. Establishing robust processes for efficient data retrieval and evidence sharing will be vital to maintaining transparency and supporting investigations during emergencies.
Why it matters
Niinistö’s report represents a fundamental shift in the EU’s approach to security, framing preparedness as an essential component of policy and governance.
For professionals managing cybersecurity, information, and legal compliance, this shift underscores the need for comprehensive, proactive strategies. Aligning with these preparedness principles positions these experts as key contributors to the EU’s resilience framework.
By following Niinistö’s recommendations, the EU aims not only to react to crises but to anticipate and mitigate them effectively, reinforcing Europe’s ability to protect its citizens, economy, and shared values.
Read the complete article at Niinistö’s Comprehensive Plan Calls for Overhaul in EU Preparedness to Meet Modern Threats
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