The White Paper highlights that Private Security Companies are indispensable partners in Europe’s civil protection landscape. Operating in sectors like transport, energy, telecom, and healthcare, PSCs bring specialised knowledge and operational flexibility that complement the work of law enforcement and emergency responders.

A central focus of the report is the EU Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive, which recognises private security as a key contributor to infrastructure protection. CoESS urges Member States to implement the directive robustly and align with the EN 17483 standard system, covering general, aviation, and maritime CI protection.

The report includes in-depth case studies from across Europe—ranging from airports and seaports to telecom networks and nuclear facilities—demonstrating how structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) lead to better risk mitigation, staff training, and emergency preparedness.

CoESS sets out tailored guidance for stakeholders:

• CI operators: Prioritise quality over low-cost security procurement and integrate cyber-physical protection strategies.

• Governments: Reform procurement rules and legally support PPPs and standardisation.

• PSCs: Invest in staff training and pursue certification under EN 17483.

The White Paper also raises awareness of emerging challenges, such as information warfare and digital sovereignty risks tied to foreign-owned cloud platforms.

“Only through genuine collaboration, backed by actionable recommendations and a cooperative mindset, can Europe’s critical infrastructure be effectively safeguarded,” the paper concludes.

Read the full White Paper at www.coess.eu.