EP - Closer cooperation needed in fight against terrorism

Following the terrorist attacks in Madrid and the recent Council decision to appoint an EU anti-terrorism coordinator, the Citizens' Rights Committee held a discussion with the newly- appointed coordinator, Gijs de VRIES. Mr. de Vries said Spain had felt the impact of the new wave of terrorism and he stressed that "terrorism is irreconcilable with democracy".

During the debate MEPs highlighted their concern at the lack of operational coordination between Member States in the fight against terrorism. They felt the main problem was how to encourage different agencies in 25 Member States, both police and intelligence services, to cooperate and share information in order to prevent attacks. MEPs also voiced concern at the potential threats to citizens' rights caused by the fight against terrorism. They wanted to know about the role of Europol in fighting terrorism and about possibilities for cooperation with third countries.

Answering MEPs' questions, Mr. de Vries stressed that international cooperation was essential as terrorism was a global phenomenon. He added that cooperation between EU and USA was crucial.

As regards action at EU level Mr. de Vries stressed that the EU was not starting from scratch but had limited competences as it could only support the Member States in any action they might take. He called for the Member States to ratify Europol Protocols so as to strengthen its legal framework. And operational cooperation between police and intelligence services should be intensified. "National services must cooperate on a cross-border basis", he said. Mr. de Vries also stressed the importance of more effective early warning systems. He said he hoped the draft Constitutional Treaty would be ratified as soon as possible as it would strengthen citizens' rights. Lastly, however, he said that no new institutions were needed in the fight against terrorism but that existing institutions should be improved.

Jorge Salvador HERNÁNDEZ MOLLAR wrapped up the debate by saying "it is our obligation to pool our efforts in the fight against terrorism".

| Top |

• EP - Fighting terrorism while still respecting human rights (6/4/2004)
• EUHR Solana appoints Gijs de VRIES as Counter-terrorism co-ordinator (30/3/2004)