Terrorism: Tackling threats to EU's security

Terrorism continues to pose a threat to Europe's security, but what is the best way to tackle it? The Parliament's civil liberties committee held a hearing on 14 April to discuss with experts the evolving terrorist threats, the fight against extremism and radicalization and what the EU could do to help.

Experts discussed how Europeans could become radicalized in a short period of time and the role played by the Internet and social media. They also talked about the EU's existing policy instruments and how to improve them.

Changing security situation

UK S&D member Claude Moraes, chairman of the civil liberties committee, said the hearing had proved very useful. He said: “The security situation in Europe has changed dramatically in recent years. This hearing offered a great opportunity for experts and MEPs to come together to discuss ways to ensure a comprehensive approach with regards to counter-terrorism and tackling radicalism. It also highlighted the general consensus which exists with regards to strengthening cross-border cooperation between authorities.”

Need for better co-ordination

French EPP member Rachida Dati, who is writing a report on the prevention of radicalization and recruitment of Europeans by terrorist organizations, stressed the importance of European Parliament’s role in the fight against terrorism and called for a better co-ordination and more effective actions on European level: “Terrorists will always take advantage of the lack of the coordination between EU member states. We need a clear and more binding framework for better cooperation of the intelligence agencies in the EU and with third countries, who are also victims of terrorism and jihadism. It is urgent to train prison staff for the detection and prevention of radicalization.”

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