Progress made in establishment of European Centre for Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats

A proposal for an act on the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats was submitted by the Government to Parliament on Wednesday, 24 May. The proposal supports the Government’s aim to strengthen the comprehensive concept of security nationally, in the EU and in international cooperation. One of the focal areas mentioned in the Government Programme is combating hybrid attacks.

The Memorandum of Understanding on the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats was signed in Helsinki on 11 April 2017. The signatory states are Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, Germany and the United States. Representatives of the European External Action Service and NATO were also present.

The purpose of the Centre is to increase awareness of hybrid threats and societies’ vulnerabilities that can be exploited in hybrid operations. To improve readiness to counter hybrid threats the Centre will encourage strategic-level dialogue, conduct research, training and consultations, and arrange practical training exercises. The aim is also to help foster the resilience of societies. The Centre is expected to produce valuable information for work relating to security and preparedness as well to increase mutual trust and exchange of information through a network of experts.

Under the act, the Centre would be given the status of a domestic legal personality and the legal capacity necessary for the exercise of its functions. The Centre could, for example, conclude contracts. The act would also lay down provisions on the immunity of the Centre from legal proceedings as is typically the case with international organisations as well as on the status of the personnel and on funding. Also enumerated in the act would be the organs and functions of the Centre as laid down in the Memorandum of Understanding. 

The Centre would be based in Helsinki and serve as a hub for a network of experts.

The proposal is related to the first supplementary budget proposal for 2017. Planned for 1 July 2017, the entry into force of the act will enable the Centre to initiate its operation.

Inquiries: Heidi Kaila, Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 313, Prime Minister’s Office