Vigenin: New threats require more funding for security, but also more democratic oversight

“The security of European citizens requires more resources, clearer objectives and democratic accountability. Every additional euro from the EU budget must bring real added value for citizens’ security.” This was stated by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament when presenting the group’s position in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on the new EU Internal Security Fund for 2028-2034. Vigenin is the Socialists’ shadow rapporteur on the legislative proposal.

The Socialists support the proposal to increase the fund’s budget to EUR 6.8 billion, more than three times the current programming period, but insist that the money be directed at the real threats facing Europe and used under clear rules and effective democratic oversight.

The Socialists’ proposals

Vigenin presented proposals to broaden the scope of the fund so that it reflects the new risks to the EU’s security: “The fund must better reflect emerging threats. These include the criminal use of artificial intelligence, which already goes far beyond the traditional understanding of cybercrime. Organised criminal networks are increasingly using artificial intelligence for fraud, identity theft, disinformation and other illegal activities.” The MEP also proposed including environmental crime, which is increasingly cross-border in nature and closely linked to organised crime.

The Socialists’ proposals also include a clearer legal definition of hybrid threats, better information exchange and coordination between European agencies and Member States, and the explicit inclusion in the regulation of measures to support, protect and assist victims of crime.

Reservations about the proposal

Vigenin also expressed serious reservations about the proposed governance model for the fund, which in his view limits the European Parliament’s role in overseeing how the money is spent. “I understand the wish to give Member States more flexibility, but it must go hand in hand with accountability, transparency and democratic oversight,” the MEP argued.

Negotiations between the political groups

Intensive negotiations between the political groups on the legislation lie ahead. “Our goal is for this fund to be effective, ready for future challenges and fully in line with the values on which the European Union is built,” Kristian Vigenin concluded.