European Commission - Experts & Thought Leaders

SERMA Safety and Security has become the first laboratory to be accredited under the EUCC scheme by ANSSI (Agence Nationale de la Sécurité des Systèmes d’Information, the French National Cybersecurity Agency). This strategic recognition allows SERMA to assess hardware and software products under the new European Union Common Criteria (EUCC) security framework, contributing to the harmonisation and digital sovereignty of Europe. Laboratory to conduct EUCC evaluations  SERMA Safety & Security is the first laboratory to have conducted security evaluations in Europe  SERMA Safety & Security is the first laboratory to have conducted security evaluations, pioneering the issuance of the first EUCC certificates in Europe. Issued by ANSSI, these certificates, valid for five years, mark a key milestone in the European recognition of cybersecurity solutions. Ranked among the top 5 security laboratories worldwide and the second-best globally for Common Criteria evaluations, SERMA takes a new step forward with its EUCC accreditation. SERMA accreditation With this accreditation, SERMA is now authorised to assess: Critical equipment embedded in sensitive infrastructures (energy, transport, telecommunications), Cybersecurity solutions for industries and institutions. European Cybersecurity Certification Conference The announcement was made on March 13, 2025, during the European Cybersecurity Certification Conference in Warsaw. Supported by the European Commission and the Polish presidency, this event brought together leading experts and decision-makers in the certification sector. As cyber threats continue to rise, the European Union has introduced the EUCC scheme to harmonise cybersecurity certification requirements. With this accreditation, SERMA Safety & Security establishes itself as a key player in this transition toward a unified and strengthened European cybersecurity framework.

iDenfy, a Lithuania-based pioneer in ID verification and fraud prevention, has announced a strategic partnership with AREA42, a pioneering TradeTech innovation ecosystem. Together, the companies aim to deliver a seamless and secure onboarding experience for businesses across global markets, ensuring the AREA42 platform remains user-friendly while maintaining the highest compliance standards to prevent bad actors. B2B trade problems The European Commission reported that financial irregularities affected about €1.2 billion Identity fraud is on the rise. In 2023, the European Commission reported that financial irregularities affected approximately €1.2 billion and that suspicions of misconduct by staff or members of the EU's institutions were being investigated. This highlights the urgent need for robust verification tools to detect and prevent fraud. AREA42 is an innovation ecosystem using TradeTech, a subcategory of FinTech, to improve the way European businesses trade with each other. The company identifies real Business-to-Business (B2B) trade problems and creates customer-centric trade finance solutions that lead to a more fluid, risk-savvy, and future-proof trade environment. AREA42’s mission These solutions include supplier purchase order financing for growing companies and innovative "Buy Now, Pay Later"/payment terms solutions for marketplaces and e-commerce. AREA42’s mission is to empower businesses to thrive in the digital era. This requires simplicity and advanced security during the users' onboarding process. The new partnership with iDenfy enables AREA42 to implement biometric identity verification, a robust and highly effective method to prevent fraudulent activities while offering a smooth user experience. iDenfy’s innovative ID verification tools AREA42 can streamline its onboarding processes and offer real-time approvals for its clients Currently, the TradeTech ecosystem has switched to iDenfy’s approach, using fully automated identity verification, which is based on advanced biometric and 3D liveness detection technologies to prevent fraudulent activities such as stolen or fake identities, including newly emerged types of fraud, such as generative AI and deepfakes.  By leveraging iDenfy’s innovative ID verification tools, AREA42 can streamline its onboarding processes and offer real-time approvals for its clients. These advancements are critical for modern TradeTech solutions, where speed and security are paramount. iDenfy’s ID verification solution According to iDenfy, this approach is based on AI software and automation and will help AREA42 onboard more international users in less time and boost conversions. However, this approach to a frictionless user experience won’t negatively impact the company’s ability to stay compliant.  iDenfy’s ID verification solution offers clear data and history logs or the ability to access any verification result in real-time, which is a huge benefit for recordkeeping and auditing purposes. Additionally, with the new implementation of the automated Know Your Customer (KYC) system, AREA42 can verify over 3,000 types of identity documents from more than 200 countries, ensuring comprehensive global coverage. New benchmark for the TradeTech industry “We’re thrilled to partner with AREA42, which is revolutionising European trade. By integrating our cutting-edge identity verification solutions, AREA42 ensures secure, real-time onboarding for its users while staying ahead of evolving fraud trends. This partnership showcases our shared commitment to innovation and trust in the digital Ftrade landscape,” said Domantas Ciulde, CEO of iDenfy. Lode Vermeersch, the Head of AREA42, shared, “With iDenfy, we’ve achieved a good balance between security and user experience. Our collaboration ensures that our platforms remain accessible and intuitive (which AREA42 calls “fluid”) while maintaining the highest fraud prevention standards. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for the TradeTech industry, creating a more future-proof trade environment.” AREA42’s innovative products For AREA42, this partnership represents a critical step in its broader vision of revolutionising trade For AREA42, this partnership represents a critical step in its broader vision of revolutionising trade. Its products and platforms are designed to address real B2B trade challenges by offering customer-centric, embedded finance solutions. AREA42’s innovative products, like GrowKap, provide growing companies and marketplaces with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Recently, iDenfy was recognised for its significant impact on society and celebrated for its innovation in user-centric solutions. The company earned several accolades in 2024, including being named the most implementable and easiest-to-set-up software of the year. Advanced identity verification These recognitions further highlight iDenfy’s leadership in providing scalable, effective, and customer-friendly solutions for businesses worldwide. “TradeTech is about creating seamless, secure experiences for businesses and customers alike. Our work with AREA42 demonstrates the power of advanced identity verification to transform industries, driving trust and efficiency. Together, we’re shaping the future of trade,” added Domantas Ciulde.

Smiths Detection, a pioneer in threat detection and security screening technologies, and a business of Smiths Group, announces that its state-of-the-art IONSCAN 600 detectors will be tested by the Polish railway, PKP Group. The six-month pilot, the first in Poland, will help develop standards for future anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage systems, strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure. The equipment was loaned by the Directorate General for Home Affairs and Migration (DG HOME) of the European Commission, which initiated the project. Develop security practices The IONSCAN 600 detectors will be used to assess and develop security practices for the railway system, with a particular focus on strengthening anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage measures. These detectors, which use scanning strips to identify explosives and hazardous substances, will be used in random screenings of baggage and cargo at selected train stations, on trains, and at cargo terminals. The goal is to implement security protocols similar to those already in place at airports, ensuring comprehensive protection of critical infrastructure. Workshop held at Warszawa Central station Live demonstrations of the IONSCAN 600’s capabilities took place at key locations To kick off the initiative, a workshop was held at Warszawa Central station, attended by representatives from the European Commission, Smiths Detection, the Polish Police, Border Guard, Railway Security Services, and PKP Group. Live demonstrations of the IONSCAN 600’s capabilities took place at key locations, including PKP Intercity trains and the PKP CARGO Connect terminal, showcasing the effectiveness of the detectors in real-world scenarios.  Shaping future security standards The European Commission and Smiths Detection will use the test to provide valuable insights to refine operational requirements for the use of these devices in the railway environment. The results will contribute to the Commission's efforts to establish standardised security protocols for railway systems across Europe. These findings will also help define the future development of anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage technologies tailored for the rail sector.  Poland becomes the sixth country to test this technology as part of the EU’s wider railway security initiative, following similar trials in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Slovakia, and Romania. The operational feedback from these tests will be instrumental in shaping future security practices and devices for the rail industry. Enhancing border security In addition to its railway testing, the IONSCAN 600 detectors will also be deployed by the Polish Border Guard at key border crossings with Ukraine and Belarus. These devices are capable of detecting both explosives and dangerous chemical substances and can identify whether an individual has come into contact with these materials or with weapons. This capability is particularly important in securing the EU’s external borders. Identifying security threats This initiative aims to expand the use of advanced threat detection technologies beyond aviation The IONSCAN 600 testing in Poland is part of the European Commission’s broader Counter-Terrorism Plan (CT Agenda), launched in 2020 to strengthen the security of public infrastructure across the EU. This project is part of a series of ongoing detection trials aimed at developing balanced security solutions in collaboration with manufacturers, operators, and law enforcement, addressing both facilitation and security concerns.  This initiative aims to expand the use of advanced threat detection technologies beyond aviation, with a focus on harmonising standards for the protection of public spaces. The programme also supports the voluntary adoption of EU-wide standards for detection equipment, ensuring that technologies like the IONSCAN 600 are effective at identifying security threats while enabling the free movement of people and goods. Rail safety standards Matthew Clark, VP Commercial, Smiths Detection, said of this initiative: "This pilot programme is a vital step toward enhancing rail safety standards, which are essential in today’s evolving threat landscape. By testing the IONSCAN 600 in real-world rail environments, we’re not only expanding the applications of our technology beyond aviation, but also helping shape the future of security for critical infrastructure across Europe." He adds, "Our commitment is to provide reliable, cutting-edge solutions that safeguard public spaces, and this project is a testament to that vision." European Commission’s Counter-Terrorism Plan The European Commission’s Counter-Terrorism Plan is part of an ongoing effort to bolster the EU's overall security posture. In 2019, the EU Railway Safety Platform adopted a set of best practices for rail safety, including the use of mobile detection devices for random and targeted checks. These initiatives are designed to address emerging threats and create a more secure and resilient Europe.