The European Commission presented today its new Internal Security Strategy, aimed at improving EU countries’ resilience and collective ability to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to security threats.

Emerging technologies play a growing role in reshaping the balance of power in security and geopolitics. However, technology is neither inherently good nor bad: its effects depend on how it is used. Today, new technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are being developed at unprecedented speed. These incredibly powerful new technologies can help detect crime and improve security, but at the same time enable new forms of crime and abuse.

A new JRC report on emerging risks and opportunities for EU internal security helps EU policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to navigate these complex challenges.

What are the challenges posed by emerging technologies?

The report examines the technologies that are expected to have the biggest impact on EU internal security, anticipating the strategic opportunities and potential threats that they will present. For example:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in security and crime prevention

AI-driven tools help detect threats, automate data analysis, and strengthen predictive policing. However, criminals are also leveraging AI in many ways, for example to generate malicious deepfakes, conduct automated cyberattacks, and commit identity fraud.

• Drones: a new frontier for law enforcement and crime

Drones are increasingly used for surveillance, emergency response, and border monitoring, but they are also exploited for drug smuggling, illegal surveillance, and disruption of air traffic.

• Quantum computing and the future of cybersecurity

While quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise encryption and secure communications, it could also breach current cryptographic protections, posing a significant threat to government, financial, and security systems.

• Blockchain and digital identities

Decentralised technologies like blockchain improve the security of digital transactions, but they also facilitate money laundering and illicit financial activity by allowing criminals to operate anonymously.

How can the EU mitigate the risks of these technologies?

Coordinated EU action can maximise the benefits of key enabling technologies while mitigating their risks. The report outlines key policy recommendations to help navigate this complex scenario:

• Strengthen foresight and risk monitoring

Policymakers should implement systematic horizon scanning and worst-case scenario planning to anticipate and mitigate security threats before they escalate.

• Enhance AI and digital regulation

The EU has already taken the lead in AI regulation with the AI Act, but further measures are needed to ensure transparent, accountable, and ethically-aligned AI applications in security domains.

• Improve public-private collaboration

Many of these technologies are developed by private industry. Closer collaboration between technology companies, law enforcement, and EU policymakers will ensure wider market uptake of security-driven innovation.

• Invest in resilient cyber and security infrastructure

As AI, drones, and quantum computing reshape the security landscape, the EU should accelerate investments in post-quantum encryption, cross-border cybersecurity strategies, and secure data-sharing frameworks.

This report provides a strategic, evidence-based approach to help EU institutions and stakeholders prepare for the challenges ahead. Its findings will also contribute to future JRC foresight exercises aimed at tackling emerging security challenges in other fields.