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Response to foreign terrorist fighters and recent terrorist attacks in Europe

Introduction

The threat posed by Europeans being radicalised, many of who are also travelling abroad to fight, is likely to persist in the coming years. An effective response to these issues requires a comprehensive approach and long term commitment.
The primary responsibility in the fight against terrorism lies with the member states. However, the EU can and should play a supportive role that helps respond to the cross-border nature of the threat. 

The role of the Council

Since the beginning of 2013, the issues of radicalisation and foreign terrorist fighters have been regular items on the agenda of the Council of the EU and the European Council. They have developed a comprehensive response , including both internal and external lines of action. 
After the terrorist attacks in Paris in January 2015, the European Union decided to reinforce its response and accelerate the implementation of agreed measures. On 12 February, EU leaders held a debate on the way forward and agreed on a statement to guide the work of the EU and the member states in the coming months. This statement called for specific measures, focusing on three areas of action:

  • ensuring the security of citizens
  • preventing radicalisation and safeguarding values
  • cooperating with international partners

Internal lines of action

In June 2013, the Justice and Home Affairs Council agreed on a series of proposals for action. The Council also invited the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator to present a report on the implementation of these measures at its December 2013 meeting.
 In this report the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator identified four areas where EU action in support of efforts by member states would be particularly important:

  • prevention
  • information exchange on identification and detection of travel
  • criminal justice response
  • cooperation with third countries

At the European Council meeting in August 2014, member states called for the accelerated implementation of measures in these four priority areas and the proposal of additional action. 
Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs continue to have regular discussions on the issue of foreign fighters. During the second half of 2014 they agreed on:

  • the urgency of finalising the EU PNR directive, calling the European Parliament to adopt its position on the draft directive as soon as possible
  • the need to improve checks at the external borders of the Schengen area
  • the need to improve the judicial response and, in particular, to update the framework decision on combating terrorism
  • the need for improvements in information exchange, highlighting the role of Europol and Eurojust
  • a number of specific actions to accelerate the implementation of existing measures

External lines of action

At their meeting on 20 October 2014, foreign affairs ministers adopted the EU counter terrorism/foreign fighters strategy focusing on Syria and Iraq. This strategy presents a broad approach, covering several priority areas for action and a wide range of tools. These priority areas include: 

  • political dimension: supporting the Iraqi authorities and the moderate opposition in Syria
  • prevention: working with third countries who are sources of foreign fighters, building capacity regarding strategic communication
  • pursuit: improving cooperation with third countries to identify recruitment networks and foreign fighters, strengthening border security in countries surrounding Syria and Iraq
  • protection: building regional capacity regarding aviation security, preventing weapons from seeping out of Syria and Iraq
  • response: building capacity in the region to respond to terrorist attacks
  • engagement with key partners: engaging with regional and other key partners, supporting implementation of UN Security Council resolutions by all countries
Following terrorist attacks in Paris, foreign affairs ministers held a debate on further action to counter terrorism at their meeting on 19 January 2015. They agreed that action should be taken to:
  •  improve the exchange of security information with partner countries,
  •  reinforce cooperation with Arab and Mediterranean countries
  •  increase efforts to deal with open conflicts and crises
The conclusions served as an input for discussions at the informal meeting of EU heads of state and government on 12 February. EU leaders agreed on the need for external action, including:
  • engaging more with third countries on security issues
  • promoting cooperation with the UN and with other global and regional initiatives
  • addressing ongoing crises and conflicts


Source: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/

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