Fight against terrorism tops agenda for EU Home Affairs Ministers

Fight against terrorism

Measures aimed at tackling terrorism were discussed today on the second day of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Central to the  debate were the risks posed by foreign fighters returning from conflict  zones, notably in Syria, to EU Member States. Such individuals may pose a threat by radicalising and recruiting others due to their combat veteran  status as well as by using their combat experience for terrorist acts.

Commenting on the discussion, Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Equality and  Defence, Alan Shatter, Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, said  “Regrettably, there is evidence to suggest that some travelling fighters  are being exploited and radicalised in trouble zones, such as North Africa
and Syria, with a view to creating a threat to Europe upon their return.  It is essential that we do all we can to protect young people from these  dangers and to show them that there are more fruitful ways to make  contributions to their societies than self destruction.”

The Ministers’ discussion, prompted by a paper presented by the EU  Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, focused on the importance of taking a  multi-dimensional approach to the phenomenon including analysis, prevention  and the provision of assistance to individuals returning from conflict  zones, in addition to criminal justice and law enforcement actions.

Council agreed to proceed with a package of measures proposed by the  Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and asked him to report on progress later  this year. Ministers also called for an update of the EU Strategy for  Combating Radicalisation and Recruitment to Terrorism with the aim of  strengthening their fight against terrorism.

Syrian refugee crisis

Another troubling consequence of such appalling conflicts is the  devastating effects they have on innocent civilian populations. Today’s  meeting addressed the worsening refugee crisis resulting from the conflict  in Syria. Latest information from the UNHCR shows that there are over 1.5  million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries, 76% of whom are women and children. It is estimated that a further 1.2 million people are  internally displaced within Syria as a result of the conflict. It is clear  that the Syrian crisis continues to worsen and that the plight of refugees  should be alleviated as much as possible. Ministers had an informative  discussion and will return to the matter at the Informal Council in  Lithuania next month.

Asylum and border matters

The Irish Presidency was delighted to update Member States on provisional agreements reached with the European Parliament on a range of measures on asylum and border security matters. Agreement was reached with the  European Parliament on the completion of the Common European Asylum System in March and last week the Parliament and Presidency successfully completed negotiations on Schengen Governance.

Welcoming these successes, Minister Shatter said “I am pleased the Irish  Presidency has been able to reach agreements with Parliament on the  completion of the Common European Asylum System and on the Schengen  Governance package. These measures will help to ensure the consistent and equitable treatment of asylum seekers across the EU and enhance the  security and stability of the Schengen border-free arrangements, directly  benefiting many millions of people within the European Union.”

Free movement

There was a constructive discussion on the issue of alleged abuse of free  movement rights by some EU nationals. Council agreed that the Commission should further investigate the evidence available and report back to the Justice and Home Affairs Council in October.