HRSN – High Risk Security Network

Presidency Handover and General Conference

HRSN General Conference held in Lisbon, Portugal, at the GNR Intervention Unit Headquarters, the GNR – Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) formally handed over the Presidency of the High Risk Security Network (HRSN) to the French Gendarmerie nationale .

This handover marked the conclusion of Portugal’s 2024–2025 Presidency, a mandate focused on strengthening operational cooperation, enhancing technical capabilities, promoting specialised training, and consolidating the exchange of best practices in the protection of public spaces. Over the past two years, the network further reinforced interoperability and mutual trust among its members, contributing to a more coordinated and resilient European security framework.

HRSN participed in the Military Academy “VIII Security Seminar – The use of UAVs in operational activities: perspectives and challenges”,

Sharing achievements, lessons identifyed and ongoing activities regarding the C-UAS capability development, aligning efforts and perspectives among internal security actors and defense.

Meeting convened by the Unit D.2 Counter-Terrorism | European Commission, aiming to collect inputs from Member States for the forthcoming EU Action Plan on drones and C-UAS

This initiative reflects a strong commitment and cross-cutting effort regarding on developing internal security colective capabilities against the malicious use of drones, specially in what concerns public spaces, critical infrastructures, mobility and EU’s external borders, in close coordination with the defence domain.

The Action Plan under development follows a resilience-cycle approach, structured around three main pillars:

• Prevention, including regulatory measures and the promotion of relevant technical solutions;

• Detection and identification, with a focus on interoperability, situational awareness and capability integration;

• Response, covering mitigation and neutralisation of threats.

The meeting allowed to gather operational experience, identify national needs and technical contributions from authorities and specialised networks, in order to support a more operational, coherent and complementary European instrument, aligned with existing national efforts.

The HRSN will continue to actively engage these initiatives, contributing to a pragmatic European approach based on real capabilities, inter-institutional coordination and strengthened resilience

First Responder Tactical Training for Kenya’s Security and Military Forces

HRSN participated in a “First Responders Tactical” training course, conducted at the Guardia Civil Rapid Action Unit, in Logroño (Spain), under the framework of the European Union Public Spaces+ project.

This activity aimed to better prepare participants for the protection of Public Spaces, as first responders to terror threats. The HRSN expert provided a valuable contribution in the areas of preventive patrolling, chaos control following an event, and command and control in crisis management situations.

​This joint effort equipped Kenyan’s participants with the necessary tools to train their own personnel, highlighting the HRSN role in support of other European projects and international partners.

Cooperation with EU Project Public Spaces+

in the facilities of Guardia Civil La Rioja, Logroño, Spain, the HRSN had a coordination meeting with the direction of the project Public Spaces +, aiming to enhance the support with training experts, regarding the capacity building of Ghana, Kenya and Senegal Police Forces.

The awareness on the HRSN framework and ongoing efforts, the selection of network experts for the activities, the review of the “First Responders” training package and the planning for the future project program, highlighted the importance of this partnership, aiming for a safer and more secure Europe in a better world.

EU Forum Protection of Public Spaces | FPPS

HRSN representatives participated in the FPPS, providing, among public and private security stakeholders, law enforcement networks and EU authorities, an update on the network framework, structure and activities. Visons, perceptions, data, ongoing projects and specific concerns about security threats in public areas and places of worship were discussed, as an important step in strengthening cooperation among partners, aligning efforts for a better response to current and future challenges.

HRSN Steering Group meeting

The HRSN Steering Group gathered in Albufeira, from 26 to 28 November, for a strategic meeting focused on reviewing the ongoing activities, analysing current challenges and redefining priorities for the upcoming cycle.

The sessions allowed members to assess progress, consolidate deliverables and build on lessons identify for the 2024-2025 cycle.

A key part of the agenda was the preparation for the upcoming Chairmanship handover to the Garde Républicaine from French Gendarmerie nationale , as an important step in strengthening cooperation and maintaining the Network’s long-standing commitment to build a safer and more secure Europe in a better world.

2nd edition of the “Search, Detect and React” training

The 2nd edition of the “Search, Detect and React” training course, develop and conducted by HRSN Working Group 4 took place in Athens, hosted by EKAM from Hellenic Police , from 11 to 13 November.

The activity aimed to better prepare police first responders to prevent critical incidents in public spaces, with a strong focus on anticipating suspicious behaviours and emerging threats.

Special thanks to the Ελληνική Αστυνομία for their outstanding support and cooperation throughout the training. Your professionalism and commitment were key to the success of this initiative.

Working and learning together for a safer and more secure Europe in a better world.

HRSN Participation MotoGP Grand Prix | Portimão

From 7 to 9 November, the High Risk Security Network (HRSN) took part in the MotoGP Grand Prix in Portimão, supporting security operations alongside national authorities.

Through the Pool & Shared mechanism developed by the network, additional C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) expertise was deployed, with valuable support from colleagues from Latvia and the Netherlands.

This joint effort once again demonstrates the strength of European cooperation — contributing to a safer and more resilient Europe.

C-UAS Workshop & Prize Contest

HRSN participated in the Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency C-UAS Workshop & Prize Contest, held on 29–30 October 2025 at the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa ) Field Firing Range in Alcochete, Portugal.

Co-organised by Frontex and the Portuguese Air Force, the two-day programme combined contextual briefings with live demonstrations by finalist companies, assessed in complex, border-like scenarios with a focus on effectiveness, interoperability and operational integration.

Through its participation, HRSN strengthens cooperation with EU security actors and contributes to advancing Counter-UAS innovation, resilience to hybrid threats and the protection of public spaces and critical infrastructures.

Countering Class I UAS Data Exchange Format

HRSN participated in the 2nd NATO Custodian Support Team meeting for STANREC 4869 — “Countering Class I UAS Data Exchange Format”, held on 27 October 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands.

The session gathered 35 @NATO participants from technical agencies and research institutions to advance cooperation on data exchange and interoperability in Counter-UAS operations.

The meeting reviewed progress on the development of the SAPIENT data model, lessons learned from recent Technology Interoperability Exercises and current challenges in sensor fusion, cyber resilience and standardised track management.

Participants further explored the integration of situational awareness and Command and Control (C2) tools, including new middleware solutions that enhance real-time coordination between sensors, operators and decision-makers.

Through its participation, HRSN reinforces the link between EU and NATO efforts in the field of C-UAS innovation, interoperability and hybrid threat resilience, contributing to the collective protection of public spaces and critical infrastructures.

Protective Security Advice and Coordination for Major Incidents Workshop

he workshop brought together representatives from multiple European countries, alongside national and local security services, including the Lisbon Municipal Police(Polícia Municipal de Lisboa), National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil), National Institute for Medical Emergency (INEM – Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica), National Security Advisors for the President of the Portuguese Republic, GNR Operational Command and different Territorial Units head of operations (Porto, Aveiro, Lisboa, Setúbal e Faro).

Over two intensive days, participants enhanced their understanding of key protective security functions, roles and inter-agency coordination procedures, going through scenario-based exercises and joint discussions that will ensure a stronger collective response proficiency in future crises situations.

This initiative represents another significant step towards an European protective security collaborative approach, fostering operational readiness and resilience against complex security challenges.

7th Law Enforcement Network Working Group Meeting

HRSN Together with the chairs from AIRPOL, AQUAPOL, ATLAS, EEODN, EIFS, ENLETS, ESG, HRSN, JRC, PSA and RAILPOL, among representatives from EUROPOL and other EC projects and initiatives related to the protection of Public Spaces, aiming to share updates and developments on each area of responsibility.

Civil-Military Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

HRSN participated in the “Civil-Military Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)” international workshop, held from September 22 to 24, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), organized by Enhanced Security in the Indo-Pacific Region (ESIWA+). The event brought together armed forces, security forces and civil protection representatives, from several countries in the Indo-Pacific region and European partners, aiming to strengthen cooperation and interoperability in humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions. An expert from GNR Emergency Protection and Relief Unit (@gnr_ueps ) shared its urban search and rescue (USAR) mission experience in Turkey, in 2023, highlighting the ability to operate in international crisis contexts, combining military and security aspects. Guiding principles in humanitarian scenarios, coordination with local authorities, respect for cultures and command structures were also highlighted.

EU Protective Security Advisors (PSA) and HRSN team carried out a mission at Boom Festival

From 14 to 18 July, an EU Protective Security Advisors (PSA) and HRSN team carried out a mission at Boom Festival, aiming to assess the ongoing security operation and provide specialized resources for C-UAS and CBRN capabilities, under the network’s Pooling & Sharing mechanism.

Operational Results:

A total of 22 unauthorized drone flights were detected.

2 signal-jamming interventions were executed using frequency inhibitors, resulting in 2 administrative offense reports.

HRSN PSA | At the forefront of protecting public spaces

Together for a safer and more secure Europe in a better world!

“Manus fortior quam dígitos”

(The hand is stronger than its fingers)

Outstanding HRSN Webconference

The 5th HRSN Webconference was proudly led by Working Group 4 – Human Factor, with a remarkable added value.
Dr. Benjamin van Gelderen, Police Commissioner from the Dutch National Police, presented a powerful real-case analysis on “insider threats”, offering operational insights and lessons learned.
From NaCTSO (UK), Ms. Heather Tosley and Sergeant Peter Lucas shared guidance on identifying and disrupting hostile activities, with a strong focus on the “Project Servator” experience, currently in operation within the Metropolitan Police. The available “Search, Detect and React” training package, already piloted in Lithuania by WG4, was also pointed as an impacting protection of public spaces tool – future editions will be conducted in 2025 and 2026, aiming also for a train the trainers approach development.
We were honoured by the presence of Mr. Valerio Liberatori, from the European Commission’s DG HOME, whose presence reflected the close cooperation with HRSN, aligning efforts with other Law Enforcement Networks and partners across Europe.
Our sincere thanks to the outstanding speakers and all participants engaged.
Together, for a safer and more secure Europe in a better world.

WG3 training in Logroño, Spain.

From 16 to 19 June, the High Risk Security Network (HRSN) reinforced its ongoing commitment to a safer and more secure Europe in a better world, through the activities of Working Group 3 – Tactical Rescue Response.
The training took place at PEFE – Polígono de experiencia de fuerzas especiales, of the Unidad de Acción Rural (UAR) of the Guardia Civil, in Logroño, Spain.
Led by An Garda Síochána (Ireland), WG3 focused on strengthening the preparedness of first responders in active attacker scenarios, with the common goal of saving as many lives as possible.
This edition brought together experts from seven countries – Ireland, Portugal (Presidency), Spain, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – in a joint effort to promote operational interoperability and effective crisis response.
The realism and complexity of the scenarios were enhanced by the valuable support of the Emergency Medical Services from La Rioja, DYA from Navarra, the Spanish Army, and several civil companies that contributed to recreating highly realistic training environments.
The outcomes were outstanding, clearly demonstrating the added value of interagency collaboration and multinational cooperation.
The HRSN extends a special word of gratitude to the Grupo de Acción Rápida (GAR) of the Guardia Civil, WG3 member, for the exceptional hospitality and unwavering operational support.

HRSN participated in ENLETS C-UAS TIG online meeting,

Submarine safety was discussed, analysing drone systems in use by some partners.
A debriefing on the UAS & C-UAS exercise in Seville was also presented, highlighting different detection systems tested on the field.

09 members of the High Risk Security Network (HRSN) successfully completed the renowned EU Protective Security Advisor (EUPSA) course

This intensive program equips participants with cutting-edge strategies and best practices for safeguarding public spaces across the EU. The collaboration between EUPSA and HRSN highlights the vital partnership under the D2 European Commission, showcasing how EU networks can work together to bolster security efforts.
By participating, our team has reinforced their commitment to protecting people, assets, and information.

HRSN chair & vice chairmanship staff met in Lisbon for a productive coordination workshop.

On May 26 and 27th, HRSN chair & vice chairmanship staff met in Lisbon | GNR Intervention Unit, for a productive coordination workshop.
Current and future challenges were address, aiming to better prepare the ongoing 2025 activities and the following network working cycle, 2026-27, setting the tone for a strong and smooth network leadership transition.
A new phase is approaching, grounded in trust, cooperation and shared priorities.

The HRSN proudly joined the INVICTM Forum 2025

Held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, under the theme “From Crisis to Collaboration: Strengthening Victim Support through Cooperation, Technology, and Resilience.”
Organised by INVICTM and supported by key partners such as Victim Support Europe, APAV – Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima, and the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA), this international forum brought together experts, practitioners, and policymakers from over 20 countries, united in their commitment to improving support for victims of terrorism and mass violence.
The HRSN highlight the forum’s key takeaways — from adopting victim-centred strategies and leveraging AI through EU-funded initiatives such as STARLIGHT, to recognising the vital role of family liaison officers and the importance of psychosocial resilience in mass victimisation contexts.
These exchanges are essential to strengthening international cooperation, building operational capabilities, and ensuring that victims’ voices remain at the heart of all crisis response efforts.

Joint team from the High-Risk Security Network and PSA program, paid a two-day visit to the Guarding and Protection Unit

Last week, a joint team from the High-Risk Security Network and PSA program, paid a two-day visit to the Guarding and Protection Unit (Bewakingseenheid) of the Dutch National Police in The Hague.
During this visit, the team was given insight into the Unit’s national Command and Control structure as well as its equipment and operational capabilities. Ideas and different concepts/perspectives were exchanged with a focus on the guarding, protection and securing of large-scale and high-risk events.
At the end of June, the NATO Summit will take place in The Hague.

LinCT-AA International Counter-Terrorism Conference 2025

The High Risk Security Network (HRSN) was present from 30 April to 2 May at the LinCT-AA International Counter-Terrorism Conference 2025, held in Dublin, reinforcing its commitment to high-level strategic dialogue and global cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
This participation highlights the vital role of HRSN as an active platform for collaboration between the EU and global partners, ensuring a stronger and more integrated international response to emerging threats.
Hand in hand with the world’s leading counter-terrorism practitioners, HRSN continues to advocate for resilient public spaces and coordinated international action, fully aligned with the core values of a shared vision for collective security.

Working Group 1 meeting in Brussels

The Working Group 1 of the EU HRSN network meeting was held in Brussels at DG HOME, last 4th April.
This meeting focused mainly on finalising the Risk Assessment guide document, in pursuit of the goal of making Safer and Secure Europe, in a better World!

Visit to the JRC C-UAS Living Lab in Geel

HRSN delegation pays a technical visit to the JRC C-UAS Living Lab in Geel, preparing the next steps in the C-UAS training programme

The 4th HRSN WebConference,

Organized on the 19th March, aimed to present and share important lessons learned and experiences, regarding the Security model implemented in the Shrine of Fátima (Portugal), and the UK mechanism for Hostile Vehicles Mitigation, which allowed us to learn from past international major events organization, aiming to align efforts for future challenges.
Partners from other EU Law Enforcement Networks, Protective Security Advisors programme, Joint Research Centre and Forum Protection of Public Spaces, among other invited experts, joined the event.
A special thanks to our Portuguese and UK colleagues who shared with us their extensive knowledge and expertise in these areas.

Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events

On the 5th March 2025, HRSN followed the “Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events”, organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, in collaboration with the French United Nations Permanent Mission.
Member States, International Olympic Committee, international, continental and national sport federations, civil society, sport associations and private sector joined efforts to enhance security for future events worldwide.
Shared lessons learned and awareness regarding present challenges and future threats, focusing on how to prevent and avoid acts of terror, working together for a safer and secure sports environment in a better world.

Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events

HRSN followed the “”, organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, in collaboration with the French United Nations Permanent Mission.
Member States, International Olympic Committee, international, continental and national sport federations, civil society, sport associations and private sector joined efforts to enhance security for future events worldwide.
Shared lessons learned and awareness regarding present challenges and future threats, focusing on how to prevent and avoid acts of terror, working together for a safer and secure sports environment in a better world.

HRSN WebConference ‘Policing the Olympic Games 2024: the French Perspective’

The High Risk Security Network held its 3rd webconference. We had the pleasure to count with our vice-Chairmanship, Gendarmerie Nationale from France, providing a generic awareness about the Olympic Games, in Paris, both in terms of “Ecosystem and main actors”, “International mobilisation of foreign police services”, “Tactical coordination of C-UAS”, “Vehicle Threat Mitigation” and “Personal experiences of foreign officers”, involving French, Spanish, British and Irish experts.
Partners from other EU Law Enforcement Networks, Joint Research Centre and Forum Protection of Public Spaces joined the event.

🔒 HRSN Members Excel in the Prestigious EUPSA Course! 🔒

14 members of the High Risk Security Network (HRSN) successfully completed the renowned EU Protective Security Advisor (EUPSA) course! 🎓
This intensive program equips participants with cutting-edge strategies and best practices for safeguarding public spaces across the EU. The collaboration between EUPSA and HRSN highlights the vital partnership under the D2 European Commission, showcasing how EU networks can work together to bolster security efforts.
By participating, our team has reinforced their commitment to protecting people, assets, and information.
Together, we’re building a safer and more resilient Europe in a better world!!! ! 💪
HRSN 🤝 PSA

HRSN held its 2nd Steering Group meeting

Under the umbrella of Portuguese Chairmanship,led by the Guarda Nacional Republicana, during a scenic train ride from Lisbon to Oporto!
A unique experience in the CP Comboios de Portugal VIP carriage, turning the journey into a productive business meeting, that allowed us to review the 2024 activities, identify challenges and define lines of action for 2025!!!This initiative reinforces our commitment to enhance international cooperation for the protection of public spaces,focusing on improving capabilities for prevention, detection and swift response to potential citizens’ threats across Europe.

High Risk Security Network organized its 2st Webconference

We had the pleasure to count with our experts partners from the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Units (BAU), presenting two case studies on the use of Threat Assessment & Threat Management to prevent acts of terrorism.

HRSN at the 3rd Meeting of the European Commission Expert Group on C-UAS

The High Risk Security Network attended the third meeting of the European Commission’s expert group on countering drone threats (C-UAS) in Brussels.

The meeting emphasized the growing importance of international cooperation against hybrid threats, as well as the operational challenges and technological innovations in the C-UAS field. Various countries shared experiences on the deployment of drone detection and mitigation systems, with a focus on the need for constant updates to address evolving threats.

Working Group 5 meeting in Estoril Congress Center

The High Risk Security Network (HRSN) working group (WG) 5 on “Protective Security Advice and Coordination for Major Incidents” held a productive meeting in Estoril Congress Center. The purpose of this meeting was to develop an exercise and workshop that will be carried out next year by this WG.
The ultimate aim of this group is the security and protection of public spaces and the prevention of acts of violence and terrorism, as part of a global security concept.
The event brought together 8 partners from 5 different countries, marking a key milestone for international collaboration.

5th Law Enforcement Network Working Group Meeting

On September 24-25, the HRSN took part in the 5th Law Enforcement Network Working Group (LENWG) meeting, hosted by the Directorate-General for Migration & Home Affairs of the European Commission.
The meeting gathered multiple Law Enforcement Networks under D2, Counter-Terrorism, to exchange updates, discuss ongoing projects, and tackle future challenges. Together, we’re enhancing coordination and maximizing synergies to ensure a safer Europe and a more secure world.

Second GATHERINGS Community of Practice

On September 18, 2024, the HRSN presented the network at the Second GATHERINGS Community of Practice (CoP) Meeting. The focus of the meeting was on spontaneous gatherings and the essential collaboration between security agents and both public and private entities concerning surveillance practices. Key topics included balancing these practices in terms of privacy, public safety, data sharing, and transparency.

HRSN representatives in the Olympic Games , Paris 2024

High Risk Security Network continue its efforts in ensuring the safety of public spaces. Paris 2024 count on us for top-notch security during the Olympic Games.

HSRN representatives participated in the European Commission’s Expert Group on Countering threats posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems(C-UAS)

HSRN representatives participated in the European Commission’s Expert Group on Countering threats posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems(C-UAS), which took place in Brussels on 26 June 2024, with the aim of analysing to analyse the implementation of key actions provided by the Counter Drone Communication, along with building further developments and associated responses to challenges ahead.

High Risk Security Network the Coordination Working Group meetings.

European Network for the Protection of Public Spaces (High Risk Security Network) meets at NOVA School of Business & Economics.
From 5 to 7 June, the High Risk Security Network organised the the Coordination Working Group meetings, which took place at the Nova School Business & Economics, to define the objectives, priorities and action strategies for the network cycle 2024-2025, in the areas of risk assessment, drones and anti-drones, tactical rescue response, human behaviour and protective security advice for major incidents in the context of protection of public spaces and high complexity events.

High Risk Security Network organized its 1st Webconference

The Webinar included two significant presentations focusing on crucial security issues. The EMPACT FIREARMS DRIVER delivered a presentation on arms trafficking and its effects on the security of public areas, while the Police Education and Service Training Unit from Police of the Czech Republic discussed an active shooter incident that occurred at the Faculty of Philosophy, Charles University in Prague last December.

Security at the Shrine of Fátima – Portugal

From 11 to 13 May, the High Risk Security Network (HRSN) participated in the celebrations of the 107th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fátima, through the Intervention Unit of the Portuguese Guarda Nacional Republicana and the European Union Protective Security Advisory Programme (EU PSA). The HRSN worked with the PSA to assess the threats to the Shrine of Fátima (Portugal) and supported the security of the event through the network’s pooling and sharing system of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) resources and radiological and chemical detection equipment.

HRSN participated in the HECTOR project

HRSN participated in the HECTOR project workshop in Thessaloniki ). The HECTOR project, funded by the EU Internal Security Fund, aims to improve security at tourist sites in Europe through cooperation with various European security networks and stakeholders.

4th Law Enforcement Network Working Group(LENWG)

HRSN attend the meeting organized by the Directorade General Migration & Home Affairs of the European Commision.

This event brought together several Law Enforcement Networks under D2, Counter Terrorism, to share updates, activities in progress and future challenges, aiming to foster coordination and maximise synergies.

31st RAILPOL Public Order Working Group

HRSN was presented in the 31st RAILPOL Public Order Working Group meeting, organized by the Latvian Police, in Riga.
The network framework, structure and activities were shared, aiming to align efforts for cooperation under the umbrella of the Protection of Public Spaces.

EU Protective Security Advisers Annual Meeting

To support EU countries with advice on the vulnerabilities of public spaces

EU-HRSN General Conference

EU-HRSN General Conference in Lisbon (Portugal), aiming to define priorities and outline actions for the forthcoming two-year cycle of the Portuguese Chairmanship(2024/25).

EU-HRSN General Conference

EU-HRSN General Conference in Logroño (Spain). Chairmanship transference of Authority for the Portuguese Guarda Nacional Republicana.