"The Operational Programme of the Internal Security Fund (OP FVB) is the basic strategic document for drawing financial support from the Internal Security Fund for the period 2021 - 2027.
The FVB Regulation sets out three specific objectives to which support can be directed. In short, these are the following three areas:
- improving and facilitating the exchange of information between competent authorities and relevant institutions and other Union bodies;
- improving and intensifying cross-border cooperation;
- strengthening capacities in the field of preventing and combating crime, terrorism and radicalisation.
The Czech Republic can draw funds through the OP FVB up to EUR 34,894,740.00, i.e. approximately CZK 900 million (at an exchange rate of CZK 26/EUR).
Within the framework of the OP FVB, the Czech Republic intends to focus primarily on improving the use of public resources in order to increase the efficiency of detecting criminal activities such as cybercrime, terrorism and extremism, serious economic crime, financial crime or organized crime. Another priority area is the strengthening of forensic departments performing forensic activities such as searching, securing, examining and evaluating forensic evidence secured in connection with criminal activities or providing forensic expertise. Professional training, exchange of knowledge and experience are also important parts of the fight against serious crime. These areas therefore account for the largest share of allocated funds.
Other areas of support are aimed at strengthening and developing international cooperation, primarily through internships and the work of liaison officers abroad. Activities focused on combating drug crime and combating terrorism and hybrid threats will also be supported. Part of the funds will also be directed to meeting the requirements related to the modification of EU information systems.”
Given that the financial amount allocated to the Czech Republic through the FVB is limited, it is not realistic to try to cover all threats related to internal security. The Czech Republic, based on consultations with security policy managers, has selected narrower areas in which improvements can be achieved with a more limited amount of funds.
Expected beneficiaries: state organizational units (especially security forces), research organizations and universities.
The OP FVB was approved by the European Commission on 25 July 2022.”