WRITTEN QUESTION E-2068/00

by Rosemarie Müller (PSE) to the Commission

(27 June 2000)

Subject: Terrorism

On what understanding of terrorism does the Commission base its activity and, in particular, how does it distinguish between different forms of cross-border terrorism?

How does the Commission assess the possibility:

- that the European Union's territory is becoming a reserve for foreign terrorists?

- that foreign terrorists are carrying out attacks on the European Union's territory?

How does it assess the possibility that terrorists acting independently of states may come to possess weapons of mass destruction?

- If it regards this as a probable option, how does it assess the possibility that weapons of mass destruction might be used by terrorists acting independently of states?

What steps has the Commission taken to analyse and avert terrorist threats?

To what extent is it cooperating for this purpose with:

- the authorities of the Member States?

- other states?

- international organisations?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(12 September 2000)

Union legislation concerning terrorism (such as the Convention relating to extradition between the Member States) refers to the criminal conduct specified in Articles 1 and 2 of the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism of 27 January 1977 (which cover the most serious offences, such as the taking of hostages, the use of firearms and explosives, acts of violence against the life of liberty of persons or which create a collective danger for persons).

Closer cooperation between Member States, including the improved exchange of operational information about terrorist groups, is essential to avoid the Union's territory becoming a reserve for foreign terrorists or a target for terrorist attacks. In this respect it should be noted that Europol's taking up responsibilities in the field of counter-terrorism is providing further impetus for the activities of the Member States through the exchange and development of information.

Despite some terrorist attacks, statistics generally show a decreasing trend in Member States over the last few years. The possibility that terrorist groups can get possession of weapons of mass destruction is, however, a serious challenge facing not only the Union, but the international community as a whole. In this respect, it is important that Member States adopt standard measures to investigate and avert acts of terrorism.

Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union mentions the fight against terrorism as a means to contribute towards achieving the Union's objective of providing its citizens with a high level of safety within an area of freedom, security and justice. In this respect the Commission cooperates with the Member States in the relevant Council bodies, including the Council working group on terrorism as well as within Europol. The Commission believes that the fight against terrorism demands concerted international action. Therefore it is important for the Union to cooperate with relevant third countries, such as the United States. With this country there exists broad agreement on the fight against terrorism and cooperation takes place in the Transatlantic dialogue. The Union also plays an active role in the work carried out in the fight against terrorism by the United Nations, in the framework of which a number of important conventions have been and continue to be negotiated.