Highlights
– June 5, 2008 European Union (EU) ministers gather to discuss strengthening relationship to combat terrorism
– EU interior ministers approve series of technical measures to share information pertaining to criminals, including DNA profiles
– Current EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Gilles de Kerchove boasts member states must assist Pakistan with counter-terror efforts to preserve peace in Europe
On June 5, 2008, European Union (EU) ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss ongoing measures to protect member states from the ill effects of rising Islamist extremism, and in particular, terrorism. In the immediate aftermath of the March 2004 Madrid train bombings, EU governments recognized the need to identify and protect critical infrastructures against future terror attacks . In subsequent years, the European Commission (EC) has continually requested member states provide a list of attractive terror targets and critical infrastructures in the knowledge that an attack against one EU member state would easily affect neighboring members in the bloc.
In addition to anti-terror measures, the discussion established conditions and agreed-upon procedures for the automated transfer of DNA profiles, vehicle registration data, and conditions for sharing information on law-and-order issues affecting large-scale cross-border events, such as the Euro 2008 soccer championship.
A much-awaited speaker at the recent event, European Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Gilles de Kerchove, was expected to provide his latest report indicating the state of EU and its current measures to protect its members from terrorist attacks. In an unexpected turn of events, Kerchove signaled a pressing need to assist Pakistan with anti-terrorism measures in a broad attempt to bring stability the country and security to the EU.
EU Ministers Discuss Terrorism; Increase Cooperative Efforts
On June 5, 2008, EU ministers met to discuss increased efforts to cooperate on a regional scale in an effort to protect sensitive targets from possible terrorist attacks. In Luxembourg, EU interior ministers approved a series of technical measures designed to facilitate increased information sharing, particularly in the realm of criminal activity, to include DNA profiles and vehicle registration data.
In the aftermath of devastating terror attacks such as the 2004 Madrid bombings, and the 2005 London transport attacks, the EC has continually requested a comprehensive list of so-called “critical infrastructures” such as gas pipes or bridges, with the assumption that an attack waged against one state could easily affect another . Specifically, the EC defines these critical infrastructures as those, “which are essential for the maintenance of vital societal functions” and whose destruction would have “a significant impact on at least two EU member states.” However, the plan, facing intense criticism due to its description as a “bomb here” list, has led the EC to diverge from its originally intended plan to the present embodiment of the list which will now only be shared among the affected member states, for instance the Channel Tunnel connecting Britain with France.
In addition to the agreement to compile and maintain a list of potential terror targets, the interior ministers took a step towards implementing the so-called “Prum Decision,” originally forged in 2007 and designed to improve cooperation in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. To this end, the ministers developed conditions and procedures permitting the automated transfer of DNA profiles and vehicle registration data, as well as conditions for sharing information pertaining to law-and-order issues affecting transnational public events, such as the Euro 2008.
Kerchove Addresses Ministers, Touts Increased Assistance to Pakistan Necessary
As we previously reported, in September 2007, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Javier Solana appointed Gilles de Kerchove the new Counter-Terrorism Coordinator (Previous Report). EU officials created the position of the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator seeking to prevent follow-on terror attacks akin to the 2004 Madrid bombings.
In an unexpected turn of events, on June 5, 2008, Kerchove addressed the crowd of EU ministers touting a pressing need to assist Pakistan with its efforts to combat terrorism. Stating, “We have to help this government act quickly to help lower the pressure,” Kerchove argued that helping Pakistan combat its national security problems will help stabilize a volatile part of the world, which in turn will enhance security in Europe. Kerchove focused his comments on the intractable presence of al-Qaeda in Pakistan declaring, “I’m currently examining, along with the European Commission, what we can do in terms of prevention in Pakistan in education, in the madrassas,” a reference to religious schools responsible for encouraging extremism in the country.
Kerchove insisted the EU must “as a matter of priority” finance terrorism prevention projects in Pakistan and develop alternative methods to establish “further synergies” between its aid programs and improving Pakistan’s security. Kerchove concluded his comments asserting he had received “complete support for my positions,” from notable European power-players like Britain and France.
Outlook
As we previously reported, a review of previous efforts displayed by EU officials to combat terrorism illustrates member states’ marked preference to take their own initiatives and outward preference toward bilateral agreements as opposed to EU-wide cooperation efforts (Previous Report). Specifically, following the July 7, 2005 London terror attacks the role of the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator appeared virtually absent from public discourse. To this end, we remain skeptical EU ministers will be effective and fully cooperative in their efforts to combat terrorism. Specifically, EU officials remain resistant to approve expansive EU-wide initiatives and roles.
