Internal Security Fund 2021–2027
The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution approving the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Internal Security Fund.
The proposed regulation establishes the Internal Security Fund (ISF) under Heading 5 (Security and Defence) of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027.
Fund’s objectives
The Fund aims to increase the level of security in the EU, in particular by preventing and combating terrorism, radicalisation, serious organised crime and cybercrime, by assisting and protecting victims of crime, and by preparing for, protecting against and effectively managing security incidents, risks and crises.
Support under the Fund should complement national, regional and local interventions and should focus on providing EU added value in achieving the Fund's objective.
Actions limited to the maintenance of public order at national level and actions for military or defence purposes will not be eligible.
The Fund should be implemented under direct or indirect shared management. The actions financed should be implemented in strict compliance with fundamental rights and human dignity.
Budget
The financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027 is set at EUR 1 931 000 000 in current prices, of which: (a) EUR 1 352 000 000 should be allocated to Member States' programmes and (b) EUR 579 000 000 should be allocated to the thematic mechanism.
A Member State should submit payment claims covering at least 10% of its initial programme allocation to be eligible for an additional allocation under its programme at the mid-term review in 2024.
Minimum percentages
Member States should allocate at least 10% of their programme resources to each of the specific objectives relating to information exchange and operational cooperation.
Member States may deviate from the minimum funding percentages in their programmes in duly justified cases.
Thematic Facility
In order to respond to urgent needs as well as to changes in EU policy and priorities, part of the funding should be allocated periodically, through a thematic facility to specific actions, EU actions and emergency assistance.
Funding from the thematic facility should be used to support actions in or related to third countries, within the framework of the Fund’s aim, in particular to help combat and prevent crime, amongst others, including drugs trafficking, trafficking in human beings and combatting cross-border criminal smuggling networks.
The Commission should report on the use and distribution of the thematic mechanism by component, including support for actions in or in relation to third countries under Union actions.
Where, on the basis of the information presented to it, the European Parliament makes recommendations for actions to be supported under the thematic mechanism, the Commission should endeavour to take these recommendations into account.
Equipment procurement and operational support
The percentage of a Member State's programme allocation that can be used for the purchase of equipment is set at 35%. The percentage of the allocation that may go to operating support was increased to 20%.
Work programmes
The Commission should adopt the work programmes by means of implementing acts (review procedure).