ATLAS platform

The association of the Atlas Group was initiated by the Belgian unit DSU, whereas it was officially formed at the summit of 15 commanders of European anti-terrorist units in Brussels in October 2001. At this meeting there were defined major objectives of the Group and rules of its functioning.

The confirmation of cooperation of the units grouped in Atlas is the formalisation of the Austrian initiative included in the Decision of the Council of European Union of 23 June 2008 concerning improvement of the cooperation between special intervention units of the Member States of the European Union in crisis situations. The foregoing Decision on 1 January 2009 enables a police unit which belongs to the Atlas to provide another European country with help if such a country asks for assistance or expertise.

The Atlas Group, which associates central anti-terrorist units of the Police of the European Union countries, was appointed in order to provide EU citizens with a high level of security through common cooperation, an exchange of information and experience between competent police forces. To the main objectives of the Atlas also belongs permanent increase in the level of professionalism of its units, mutual support, conduct of common projects and operations in the event of a terrorist threat on a large scale.

At the present moment the Atlas Group comprises 35 special police units from 27 European Union countries established for the purpose of physical combat of terrorism. Units from Norway and Switzerland participate in works of the Atlas Group, however as representatives of the States from outside the European Union do not have a right to vote and do not use the EU financial resources. In the Atlas Group Poland is represented by the Bureau of Anti-Terrorist Operations of the National Police Headquarters.

An exchange of information on the physical combat of terrorism and organised crime between special anti-terrorist units of the European Union is of key importance for increasing security of our country and the whole Union. The unification of standards and procedures at the Union’s level by perfecting tactics and technique of actions improves effectiveness of responding to crisis situations.

Organisation of common exercises, workshops and research projects makes it possible for units from different Member States of the Union to provide coordinated support at the request of a country receiving the support in the event of a serious terrorist threat.