The European Union and the fight to counter terrorism

The deadly attacks of Paris (January and November 2015) and of Copenhagen (February 2015), as well as those foiled in Belgium, (January 2015) have highlighted the reality and extent of the jihadist terrorist threat across Europe. They also pose the question of Europe's response to this threat with great acuity.
The measures provided for in the treaties do not diminish the Member States' exercise of responsibility in maintaining public order and the protection of internal security (article 72 TFEU). But the Union must also work to ensure a high level of security, particularly via measures involving coordination and cooperation between police and judicial authorities (article 67 TFEU). And so the question of European "added-value" is raised in a battle that is first and foremost the responsibility of the Member States themselves.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: The EU and its Counter-Terrorism Policies after the Paris Attacks http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-eu-and-its-counter-terrorism-policies-after-the-paris-attacks/

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/

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