Biosecurity in the EU's Internal Security Strategy?

Current geopolitical tensions and rapid technological developments have necessitated an urgent reassessment of biological risks and their potential impact on European security. Pour Demain has recently joined forces with 14 organizations to provide input on the European Commission's upcoming Internal Security Strategy.

1. A new CBRN Action Plan

   
   

We propose a new CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) action plan to address the security implications of the new technological and geopolitical landscape. Technological progress in areas like synthetic biology has enabled major medical breakthroughs—including new therapies, vaccines, and diagnostics.

At the same time, these innovations present new security challenges due to the dual-use nature of biological research. AI can perform sophisticated experiments and be used to design novel biological materials, including entire new genomes.

We recommend:

• Establishing a permanent expert group within the EU Commission to continuously monitor and address emerging biosecurity challenges

• Including nucleic acid synthesis screening by developing EU-wide compliance standards for Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Know-Your-Order (KYO) regarding potentially dangerous genetic sequences

• Ensuring mandatory external assessments of CBRN capabilities for General Purpose AI and specialized purpose models with systemic risk

2. EU-wide "Know-Your-Order" Framework for Biological Materials

We recommend adopting an EU-wide KYO framework for biological materials. Experts from the Community for European Research and Innovation for Security have identified the possibility of bioterrorism attacks among the top ten security priorities. Despite broad awareness of bioterrorism risks, there is currently no consistent EU-wide requirement for verifying orders of genetic materials or sensitive lab equipment. 

Unlike high-risk chemicals that require strict verification, potentially dangerous biological materials and lab equipment can be ordered online without proper controls. While complete DNA sequences of known select agents (such as anthrax) are regulated, fragments of these same sequences typically escape oversight.

We recommend:

• Developing mandatory KYO requirements for all providers of nucleic acid synthesis services operating in the EU

• Developing standards for KYC verification for all providers of nucleic acid synthesis services operating in the EU

• Establishing reporting procedures for suspicious orders with international coordination and Europol involvement

A Unified European Approach

There is mutual willingness to tackle CBRN security risks. Recent EU initiatives—including the Niinistö report and the Code of Practice on General Purpose AI—have also recognized the importance of biosecurity measures.

The synthetic biology industry has already demonstrated its commitment to responsible innovation. Over 40 companies are part of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium, applying uniform screening protocols for both customers and DNA sequence orders.

Our diverse band of signatories reflects the cross-border nature of today's security challenges and the need for a unified European approach.

Preventing disease outbreaks: A Security Imperative

Our recommendations recognize that disease outbreaks represent one of the most significant security threats facing Europe and the world today. As we've learned from recent experience, biological events can rapidly disrupt every aspect of society—from public health and economic stability to social cohesion and national security.

• Link to the full feedback

  
  

• Download the full feedback:

Feedback including signatures and references_Open Consultation EU Internal Security Strate.

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For further information:

Laurent Bächler, Program Lead Biosecurity, Pour Demain info@pourdemain.ch