Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2016/883 of 31 May 2016 on implementing rules for standard security measures, alert states and management of crisis situations in the Commission pursuant to Article 21 of Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 on security in the Commission
Data as of 2026-07-04 · Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails. · Read the official text ↗
Definition
In addition to the definitions set out in Article 1 of (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 the following definition applies: ‘alert state’ means a set of security measures intended to provide a specific level of protection of the physical integrity of persons, premises or other assets in the Commission commensurate with the threats to security.
Subject matter and scope
1. This Decision sets out alert state measures in compliance with Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 in anticipation of or in response to threats and incidents affecting security in the Commission and measures required for managing crisis situations. 2. A security system comprising standard security measures and three alert states shall apply in the premises of the Commission. The standard security measures and the alert states shall be identified by colour codes: WHITE corresponds to the standard security measures; YELLOW, ORANGE and RED correspond to increased threat levels. 3. This Decision shall apply to all Commission departments and in all premises of the Commission situated inside and outside the European Union subject to responsibilities referred to in Article 4.
Alert state levels
1. When no particular threat or incident affecting the physical integrity of persons, premises or other assets has been identified in the Commission, standard WHITE security measures shall apply. They shall be used on a daily basis and are designed to ensure an appropriate level of security. 2. When threats are made or an incident affecting the physical integrity of persons, premises or other assets occurs that may have an adverse effect on the Commission or its functioning, the YELLOW alert state shall apply. 3. When threats are made affecting the physical integrity of persons, premises or other assets aimed specifically at the Commission or its functioning, even though no definite target or time of attack has been identified, the ORANGE alert state shall apply. 4. When threats of an imminent attack are made, affecting the physical integrity of persons, premises or other assets, aimed specifically at the Commission or its functioning, the RED alert state shall apply.
Responsibilities
1. The Member of the Commission responsible for security: (a) shall decide in consultation with other European institutions and other relevant European entities on changing of the alert state level; (b) shall decide upon advice from the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security which of the specific measures of the alert state are to be implemented in light of the current security situation and which additional measures need to be taken; (c) shall inform the President and the other Members of the Commission of any decision taken pursuant to this article. 2. The Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security: (a) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision in Commission premises situated in the Member States of the European Union; (b) shall ensure external liaison as set out in Article 18(2) of (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 in case of threats or incidents affecting physical integrity of persons, premises or other assets in the Commission; (c) in case of urgency shall take the decisions set out in paragraph 1(a) and (b). The Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security shall, as soon as possible after having taken those measures, inform the Member of the Commission responsible for security of the measures and the reasons for them; (d) shall continuously monitor threats and risks to security. 3. The Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision in all its offices located in third countries. 4. The Directorate-General for Communication shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision in the Commission Representations and Regional Representations. 5. The Directorate-General for the Joint Research Centre shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision in the Commission Joint Research Centre's premises. 6. The above listed Directorates-General may take additional security measures in case of urgency in compliance with the present Decision and (EU, Euratom) 2015/443. The Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security shall be informed of these measures without delay.
Measures
1. The Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security shall take and implement security measures in accordance with (EU, Euratom) 2015/443. A non-exhaustive list of measures shall be prepared and implemented by the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security. 2. The alert state measures shall be in strict compliance with Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443. The alert states levels shall be defined in close cooperation with the competent services of other European institutions and other relevant European entities and with Member States hosting Commission premises. 3. The alert state levels shall be expressed in the public areas through a colour-coded signalling system and the colour varies according to the alert state level. 4. Security measures ‘WHITE’ shall be detailed in a security notice in full compliance with Article 21(2) of (EU, Euratom) 2015/443.
Transparency
This Decision shall be brought to the attention of Commission staff and of all individuals to whom it applies.
Repeal
Decision 2007/65/EC is repealed.
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union .
Source: EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the EU), © European Union, reuse permitted under Commission Decision 2011/833/EU.