#Counterterrorism European Parliament supports new measures to protect citizens

The European Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of updating the EU’s existing framework on combatting terrorism. Rapporteur, Monika Hohlmeier MEP (EPP, DE) said that the new rules will cover offences such as training, recruiting and the financing of terrorism.

"We have managed to strike a fair balance between ensuring security and respecting basic human rights, such as freedom of opinion, to travel and access education”, said rapporteur Monika Hohlmeier (EPP, DE) after the vote.

Terrorists do not respect borders

As illustrated by the recent attacks in Paris, tackling terrorism requires cooperation internally, within the EU and at the EU’s external borders. Theresa May, the UK’s Home Affairs minister and current front runner in the race to become the next British Prime Minister, recognised the importance of Europe in protecting national security at the recent Justice and Home Affairs Council.

The draft counter-terrorism directive, put forward by the Commission at the end of 2015 following the November Paris attacks, is aimed at strengthening the fight to prevent terrorism by criminalising preparatory acts, such as those listed below.

It includes travelling abroad for terrorist purposes, providing or receiving training in skills needed to carry out a terrorist offence, public incitement or praise of terrorism – including the dissemination of videos of assassinations, providing or collecting funds by any means with the intention that they be used to commit or to contribute to terrorism.

Greater support for the victims of terrorism

The European Parliament has added the support needed by the victims of terrorism. They have argued that victims should be assured medical treatment, emotional and psychological support such as trauma support and counselling, advice on relevant legal, practical or financial matters, and support to return to their home countries if they were caught in a terrorist attack while visiting another EU-country. MEPs also stress that victims should have access to long-term support services in their country of residence, even if the terrorist offence took place in another member state.

Sharing information

Timothy Kirkhope MEP (ECR, UK), says EU countries should forward to other EU countries any information that could assist in the detection, prevention, investigation or prosecution of terrorist offences. There is a particular need for cooperation between law enforcement authorities and internet service providers. MEPs also urge member states to share good practice on de-radicalisation and preventing recruitment of citizens by terrorist organisations.

Next steps

All actors are anxious to make progress on this dossier without delayThree way talks between Parliament, Council and Commission are expected to begin before the summer recess.

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