European counter-terrorism effort needs further improvement

European counter-terrorism intelligence must be improved through concrete steps based on mutual trust and effective laws. That was one of the conclusions of the 15th European Affairs Network held at the European Parliament on 15 February.

THe European Affairs Network

The EPP Group's European Affairs Network brings together EPP-affiliated Members of the European Parliament and Members of National Parliaments responsible for European Affairs. The members all come from parliamentary groups whose parties sit under the EPP umbrella. These are either the Chairs or Vice-Chairs of the national parliamentary committees dealing with EU affairs or the spokespersons for the Chairs of parliamentary groups. Meeting on a regular basis in Brussels, their aim is to debate current political issues in more detail, to further shape mutual understanding within the EPP family and improve ways of working together.

European security challenges to be tackled at both national and European level

Focusing on the latest European developments in the fight against terrorism, the keynote speakers, Kristalina Georgieva, Vice-President of the European Commission, Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol, discussed the main challenges ahead with European and national Members of Parliament.

In a globalised and highly-interconnected world, security challenges change continuously. That's why it is crucial to build a bridge between European and national lawmakers to address European security challenges Esther de Lange

EPP Group Vice-Chairwoman Esther de Lange, responsible for relations with national Parliaments, welcomed the exchange between participants. "In a globalised and highly-interconnected world, security challenges change continuously. That's why it is crucial to build a bridge between European and national lawmakers to address European security challenges. At the end of the day, our effectiveness in counter-terrorism is only as good as the laws that give intelligence services and police the necessary instruments to act."

Facilitating the exchange of data between national intelligence agencies

Vice-President Georgieva, responsible for Budget and Human Resources, focused on the importance of appropriate funding and flexibility in the European budget for dealing with the major challenges that migration and counter-terrorism represent in the years to come.

At the end of the day, our effectiveness in counter-terrorism is only as good as the laws that give intelligence services and police the necessary instruments to act

EPP Group Members from the European Parliament and national parliaments also contributed by emphasising the importance of building mutual trust between intelligence agencies. The recent inauguration of Europol's counter-terrorism unit was welcomed by the participants of the EPP European Affairs Network. This new unit should facilitate the exchange of data and provide assistance to national counter-terrorist investigations.