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A Borderless Challenge

Crime doesn’t stop at borders — and in a world where people move freely, national police forces often can’t tackle cross-border challenges alone. The idea behind the “EU Patrols” project is simple: officers from different EU countries join forces in joint patrols, operating together in areas that require extra protection — from tourist hotspots to large public events.

In 2024, the initiative proved its worth during the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, when France faced a massive security and logistics challenge. Police officers from across the EU supported French forces in patrols, crowd management, and prevention efforts. A similar system was used during the UNOC-3 Summit in Nice, where France received assistance from seven European partners. Belgian and Swiss teams brought in trained dogs to detect explosives, while Italian officers handled road and rail security between Monaco and Nice.

This approach is spreading. Joint patrols have been seen at the Tour de France, Oktoberfest in Germany, and World Youth Day in Lisbon. In some cases, foreign officers even helped respond to natural disasters — like the 2022 storms that hit Corsica.

Building a New Framework for Cooperation

Until recently, police cooperation in the EU was mostly about data sharing and joint databases — essential tools for fighting organized crime and terrorism, but not ideal for real-time emergencies on the ground.

The “EU Patrols” project changes that. It builds on the European Brigades and Commissariats (BE/CE) system, created by France’s National Gendarmerie. This framework allows for the quick deployment of officers from one EU country to another when needed, creating a kind of operational platform for shared security.

Funding plays a big role here. The EU Internal Security Fund (ISF) covers up to 75% of logistics costs, including transport and accommodation for deployed officers. Without this financial backing, few countries would be willing to regularly send personnel abroad.

The scale is growing fast — in 2025 alone, over 550 joint patrols were organized, aimed not only at crime prevention but also at providing emergency support and rapid response to emerging threats.

The Sovereignty and Rights Dilemma

While the project showcases EU solidarity in action, it raises important legal and political questions. Is it fully compatible with the principle of national sovereignty? Should citizens be informed when police officers from another country are patrolling their streets?

Technically, foreign officers act under bilateral or multilateral agreements and operate under the supervision of the host country. However, in practice, lines of responsibility can blur. What happens if a foreign officer abuses power? Who is legally accountable — the host country or the officer’s home state?

Another concern involves the limits of authority. Officially, foreign officers serve in a support role. But in crisis situations — such as a terrorist attack — these boundaries may vanish. Can a non-national officer make operational decisions or take command? Without clear legal definitions, these grey zones could lead to confusion or disputes.

Security vs. Cost

The project also raises a practical question: is it worth the cost? Even with 75% funding from the ISF, the remaining expenses fall on national budgets. While the extra security during major events like the Olympics or World Youth Day seems justified, the cost-benefit ratio for regular operations is less clear.

From a citizen’s perspective, reactions are mixed. For some, seeing international police on patrol is a symbol of European unity and shared safety. For others, it could signal that their national forces are no longer sufficient. The emotional and political impact of that perception remains to be seen.

Experiment or Future Foundation?

The “EU Patrols” initiative is a bold test of what a shared European security space might look like in practice. Its growing scale and flexibility — from massive sporting events to emergency responses — show real potential.

But its legal and political foundations remain fragile. The program relies on temporary agreements and EU funding rather than binding legislation. Its future will depend on whether member states are ready to commit long-term — and whether citizens feel comfortable with foreign officers helping keep order on their streets.

“EU Patrols” might be an experiment today, but it could become a cornerstone of European security cooperation tomorrow — if Europe manages to balance effectiveness, accountability, and trust.

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