EU officials seek sweeping changes to face terrorism, other security challenges

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2015 file photo a man walks past the European police agency Europol in The Hague, Netherlands. European Union officials are seeking sweeping changes in bloc policies and practices to face new security risks arising from terrorism, organized crime and cybercrime. EU Commission vice president Frans Timmermans said Tuesday April 28, 2015 there is still too much “mistrust and reticence to cooperate” among European countries. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File) (The Associated Press)

STRASBOURG, France – European Union officials are seeking sweeping changes in bloc policies and practices to face new security risks arising from terrorism, organized crime and cybercrime.

EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said Tuesday there is still too much "mistrust and reticence to cooperate" among European countries.

Timmermans said "we need to make an effort to be more effective in providing security for our citizens." He spoke while presenting the EU Commission's proposed "Agenda on Security" to a hearing of the European Parliament.

The steps proposed by the EU's executive arm range from swift reform of Europol, the agency for EU-wide police cooperation, to enactment of tougher controls on firearms.

Timmermans said "it is unacceptable that a Kalashnikov can be bought easily on the Internet."