Counter-terrorism
The security situation in Europe has changed dramatically lately, owing to recent terrorist attacks on European soil, new conflicts and upheavals in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood, the rapid development and use of new technologies, and growing radicalisation that is leading to violence and terrorism. While threats have become more varied, international, multiple and asymmetrical, closer cross-border and inter-agency cooperation becomes more pertinent.
A particularly worrying phenomenon is the rapidly rising number of EU nationals who radicalise in a short time-frame, often incited through the internet and social medial, some of them travelling to conflict areas to join terrorist organisations (so-called "foreign fighters") or otherwise potentially posing an internal security threat. Addressing this radicalisation process is a challenging and complex issue, which requires a multi-faceted approach, including addressing underlying factors, counterbalancing incitement, preventing recruitment in prisons or over the internet, involving first-line practitioners etc.
While national security is the sole responsibility of Member States, policies to counter terrorism and to increase our internal security are a shared responsibility between the Members States and the Union. Over the years, a multitude of policy instruments has been developed to target and stem security threats and to address and fight terrorism.
While national security is the sole responsibility of Member States, policies to counter terrorism and to increase our internal security are a shared responsibility between the Members States and the Union. Over the years, a multitude of policy instruments has been developed to target and stem security threats and to address and fight terrorism.
EP reports and resolutions
- European Parliament resolution of 25 November 2015 on the prevention of radicalisation and recruitment of European citizens by terrorist organisations (2015/2063(INI))
- European Parliament resolution of 11 February 2015 on anti-terrorism measures (2015/2530(RSP))
- EU PNR Directive – final text agreed with the Council and voted by the LIBE (PDF - 388 KB)
- EP resolution on the European Agenda on Security