Public Spaces +: Protecting public areas from terrorist threats

Context

The European Union recognises the importance of protecting public spaces againts terrorist or other criminal attacks. The severity and frecuency of such attacks in recent years is unprecedented, with varying degrees of  sophistation and methods used. The EU  has prioritised  this aspect of counter-terrorism (CT) with different initiatives and strategies, such as the 2017 Action Plan to support the protection of public spaces, the establishment of the EU High Risk Security Network (EU-HRSN), the EU Security Union strategies for 2020-2025 and for 2025-2030, as well as the EU CT agenda. The EU Council conclusions on reinforcing external-internal connections in the fight against terrorrism and violent extremism (2024) underlines the need to intensify cooperation with third countries including the Southern Neighbourhood and Africa. 

Public Spaces + builds on the successful implementation of the first iteration “CT Public Spaces” (2020-2024), incorporating lessons learnt  and working closely with our local partners.

Overall objective

This project aims to address emerging global threats of terrorism and violent extremism  in the field of public spaces, as well as the associated challenges, while fully respecting human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law in accordance with the EU's political priorities for security and counter-terrorism.

Specific objectives

• To provide the beneficiary countries, as well as their security forces, with the proper tools to address emerging threats to public spaces.

Concrete activities

• Trainer of Trainers (ToT) activities taking place at the Spanish Special Operations Training Centre in Logroño, with a tactical and methodological approach in subjects agreed with our local counterparts, such as:
  • Command and Control
  • Risk analysis and Intelligence & Tactical joint actions
  • First responders, UAV/C-UAV´s, sniper
  • Explosive detection training
  • Dog handlers Tactical
  • Response and Rescue
• These activities will be replicated in Kenya, Senegal and Ghana by the same trainees, to share acquired knowledge in cascade approach.
• Provision of equipment, development of guidelines/manuals, and conducting live exercises in Kenya, Senegal and Ghana.
• 6 large-scale events in Spain and partner countries will be organised to incorporate knowledge gained from real operations to secure public spaces.
• 3 regional seminars will be held with the participation of the three countries on topics of mutual interest related to the security of public spaces.

Expected results

Mobilisation of EU expertise from the Spanish Civil Guard and the EU-HSRN to exchange best practices and share experiences with partner countries in 4 areas: 

• The risk assessment capabilities of key cities are increased, including through the mapping of high-risk locations and venues.
• Public-private partnerships are developed.
• The principle of security by design and atechnical solution to improve the physical security of existing and new venues are adopted as standard by the authorities of key cities.
• Organisation of live exercises for bilateral and regional impact.

Expected achievements

• Develop a framework for an extensive, long-lasting training programme in partner countries to enhance security in public spaces.
• Foster interagency cooperation in responding to terrorist attacks by developing common procedures for deployments in public spaces.
• Set up structures in partner countries to evaluate and develop public spaces security plans and  operational deployments in public spaces.
• Develop e-learning training systems for the private security sector to improve its coordination with law enforcement agencies and enhance its capabilities.