New challenges in urban security

The majority of the world’s population today lives in cities, and they are expanding at an unprecedented pace. Security challenges are growing more complex, from terrorism and organised crime to political and economic unrest, raising questions about the resilience of critical infrastructure, energy security and the effects of climate change.
Urban security requires a comprehensive strategy that spans the police and judiciary as well as other administrations at local and global level, and addresses internal and external threats. How can communications between police, military and intelligence communities be improved? What new technologies can improve urban security? Where should governments draw the line between security guarantees citizens’ privacy? Is the EU giving urban security enough attention, or should this remain a local matter?

The SDA is pleased to present the principal conclusions of the lunch debate in this report.