United against terrorism

02.03.2015 15:30

United against terrorism

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The European Union has been under the spotlight of jihadist terrorism for some time. Madrid and London were targets a few years ago with terrorist attacks killing hundreds and wounding thousands. More recently, the Paris and Copenhagen attacks, together with the constant threats to the West by terrorist organisations which are growing at a frightening rate, have forced us to act with the adoption of measures which can be used to confront these new forms of terrorism.

Standing united to defend our fundamental freedoms

Europe is shocked by what is a direct attack against our values, our fundamental freedoms, our democracy and, after all, our way of life. Jihadist terrorism represents exactly the opposite of the values promoted in Europe. Their bullets and bombs are impregnated with hate, and they have a totalitarian, anti-democratic and racist nature. They target people who think differently to them. They are an example of extreme intolerance.

Either we stand together or terrorists will win. Ideological differences don't matter when values and principles of our society are being destroyed.

In the battle against terrorism, it is imperative that democrats remain united. Either we stand together or terrorists will win. Ideological differences don't matter when values and principles of our society are being destroyed. In this regard, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on anti-terrorism measures on 11 February with the support of all the main parliamentary Groups. Standing united can hinder terrrorist acts.

Developing a global strategy to fight terrorism

In the fight against terrorism, we must make use of all the tools that the rule of law provides. At the same time, it is essential that our reaction to the horrors of terrorism is coherent with the values we stand for. In the EPP Group, we know that a firm response to terrorism is absolutely necessary. We constantly focus on the necessity of ensuring greater security for all our citizens and protecting them from fear and hatred.

With these objectives in mind, the EPP Group is preparing a paper which will serve as a roadmap to establish a strategy in the fight against terrorism. The characteristics of the latest terrorist acts, the threat of the so-called foreign fighters, the dangerous use of the internet as a recruiting tool and propaganda instruments for terrorism, require European authorities to take further action in accordance with the current situation. The EPP Group will be at the frontline pushing for these measures.

The EU must fight Islamic terrorism with an integrated and global strategy. In the end, the fight against terrorism is, in essence, the defence of our liberties

The EPP Group's roadmap on terrorism will be launched during the meeting of the Group's Political Bureau on 5 and 6 March in Toledo, Spain. The roadmap will contain the most important aspects and challenges that the EU must face in order to tackle terrorism from a global perspective and how to optimise prevention and combat radicalisation. These aspects also include the development of the European PNR, the Directive on Data Protection, tracking sources of terrorist financing, coordination between Member States' judicial and police authorities, and the protection, rights and support of victims of terrorism. The latter is fundamental for the EPP Group because we should never forget the victims of terrorism and we must protect them unconditionally. This will always be a political, moral and democratic reference in any decisions the EPP Group makes.

Each drop of blood spilled on our continent, each life robbed by fanaticism is unacceptable. When Europeans are killed in the name of terrorism, he or she represents the values and principles that keep us united as a society. And for this reason, the EU must fight Islamic terrorism with an integrated and global strategy. In the end, the fight against terrorism is, in essence, the defence of our liberties.

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