Germany discusses new law to crack down on foreign fighters

The German government approved on 14 January 2015 a draft law aimed at preventing travel for individuals involved in terrorist activities.

The legislative initiative is intended to change the country’s existing personal ID law, to introduce a substitute personal ID, which would restrict holders to travel within German borders, and to change existing passport law.

New travel restrictions would be applied particularly to so-called 'foreign fighters', German citizens who belong to the Islamist-jihadist spectrum of persons and go to fight in crisis regions.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Fighting terrorism at EU level, an overview of Commission's actions, measures and initiatives http://www.europeansources.info/record/fighting-terrorism-at-eu-level-an-overview-of-commissions-actions-measures-and-initiatives/

Deutsche Welle, 04.02.15: German Cabinet approves bill to stop radicals traveling to Middle East http://dw.de/p/1EVJC

ESO: Background information: Data retention issue stymies EU air passenger bill http://www.europeansources.info/record/berlin-calls-for-eu-wide-retention-of-pnr-flight-data-data-retention-issue-stymies-eu-air-passenger-bill/

Deutsche Welle, 14.01.15: Germany closer to confiscating Islamist IDs http://dw.de/p/1EJus

EurActiv, 05.02.15: Germany set to pass ‘one of the harshest’ anti-terror laws in Europe http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/germany-set-pass-one-harshest-anti-terror-laws-europe-311851

EurActiv, 13.01.15: Germany’s debate over data retention flares following Paris attacks http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/germanys-debate-over-data-retention-flares-following-paris-attacks-311202

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