On 8 March 2018, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions issued a joint statement at the EU Mayors’ Conference. The statement highlights the need for cooperation at all levels of government and with private stakeholders in the fight against global terrorism.

Of particular importance are a functioning exchange of information, the collection of relevant data, the exchange of good practices and training, as carried out in existing forums such as the Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), launched by the Commission in 2011.

Reference was also made to the Commission’s Action Plan of 18 October 2017, in which the Commission undertook to support the Member States through targeted funding, practitioners’ networks, and guidelines. In addition, assistance will be given in involving private stakeholders and those in the local sector.

The provision of funding under the Internal Security Fund for Police is also of key importance and, from October 2018 on, urban security is to become part of the 2015 Urban Innovative Actions Initiative.

As the joint statement pointed out, the fight against terrorism begins at the local level by dealing with poverty, the inclusion of migrants, proper housing and creating good air quality. Addressing these issues helps counteract the very beginnings of radicalisation. Ms Corina Creţu, Commissioner for Regional Policy, underlined in her closing speech that security in cities has a social dimension. This is why access to “quality basic services such as education and healthcare” must be ensured in order to protect the values emanating from European cities: “freedom, universality, creativity, courage, tolerance”.