EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - European Security Research Programme launched in Berlin

European Security Research Programme launched in Berlin

27-03-2007

The European Security Research Programme (ESRP) was launched at a Commission organised conference taking place in Berlin on 26 and 27 March 2007. The ESRP is a separate programme under the Seventh Research Framework Programme 2007-2013. The programme has been attributed 1.4 billion euros for the six year budgetary period.

The first objective of European security research is to make a contribution to the security of citizens in Europe. The results of Europe-wide security research will contribute to recognizing the causes for threats to civil security early on and to taking effective countermeasures. At the same time, the competitiveness of Europe is to be strengthened.

At the European Security Research Conference four priority themes for European security research were identified:

Security, innovation and technology - How can security research reduce the threat posed by attackers and disasters? (protection from terrorism, organized crime and disasters as well as reaction to crises)
Security and infrastructure - How can security research reduce the vulnerability of society? (measures to increase the security of infrastructures and borders)
Security and competitiveness - How can security research contribute to increasing competitiveness? (development of pioneer markets, innovative procurement, the corporate and economic perspective of security)
Security and society - How can findings on the causes of radicalization and threats, together with innovative technology and strategies for action, contribute to a plus of security?

A new body has been established which is to promote knowledge transfer in the area of security research: the European Security Research and Innovation Forum (ESRIF). Between 50 and 70 experts will be appointed as members of this strategy forum. The establishment of ESRIF was initiated by a group of six member states including Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria and Great Britain. "Any security policy has a strong national dimension. The findings of transborder security research need to be implemented by the individual states", said Schavan. The task of the Forum is therefore to provide advice for the main actors.

Links
For more information, please visit the German EU Presidency website

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