The European Commission is beefing up its internal security, including plans for more secure meeting rooms, according to an internal note seen by POLITICO.
There is “increased demand” for tighter security, says the note from the Corporate Management Board, which reports to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The board has asked the Commission’s human resources department “for a more thorough and comprehensive assessment of the needs for secure meeting rooms, carefully considering the different categories of information handled.” The board also asked HR “to further explore alternatives for sharing secure meeting rooms, including their cost.”
The current Commission has been putting in place measures to bolster security, including through the creation of a Security College.
“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,” von der Leyen said in March as she celebrated 100 days of her second Commission. “This is also true for my Commission. To deal with the challenging way ahead, we need to switch into a preparedness mindset. This is why, in the next weeks, I will convene the first-ever Security College.”
The college is designed to ensure that commissioners are regularly updated on security threats and developments.
According to two officials, who were granted anonymity to discuss security issues, security cards used by commissioners and top officials, such as directors general and heads of cabinet, now allow greater access than those used by other staffers.
The board also asked HR to draw up “a sound legal framework for personal security clearance for certain categories of staff.” In addition, it said there should be “regular and planned evacuation and shelter in place exercises.” (The latter is a safety drill that simulates an emergency in which people must remain inside.)
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