EUs Role in the War on Terror - Term Paper Example

EU’s role in the ‘War on Terror’ al affiliation: Introduction European Union can be considered to be a global actor when it comes to the threatening issues of terrorism. The issue of terrorism is a big threat to the stability of many nations, and this is because it is a cross-borders challenge. The terrorists target diverse people irrespective of their geographical settings. Therefore, the EU states together with its citizens are not an exception but are exposed to the same risks (Lesser, Hoffman, Arquilla, Ronfeldt, Zanini and Jenkins, 1999). Acts of terrorism are carriedout by individuals or groups who want to advance their political ambitions through terror activities. Such behaviours and activities pose serious threats to democratic tenets of our societies thus plummeting the rights and freedom of the citizens. They achieve this by indiscriminatingly ambushing the terror attacks on innocent people (Argomaniz, J, 2010). European Union Role on Terrorism EU considers the scourge act of terrorism as an organised crime. Therefore, this has to EU coming up with a counteractive structure of counter-terrorism. The EU’s view to deal with the threat of terrorism is to dig it out from its roots. The process will involve combined efforts of increased democracy, literacy, equality as well as economic growth(European Council, 2004). Although the EU is not relenting with it role pertaining the issue of terrorism, it’s also very alert to uphold the core basics of human rights. These include; Prevent, protect, pursue and respond. The four components above form the basic structure of the EU’s counter-terrorism Strategy adopted in 2005 ( Keohane, 2005). The discussion focusses on the role of EU in regards to the issue of terrorism. An array of instruments is combined in the EU structure so as to counter terrorism threats and attacks within its member states. The following instruments aid EU in playing its role; a) EU Legislation From the onset of 2001, the EU council has been able to adapt vital legislative measures as well as policies that would boost the cross-border cooperation. These are incorporated by authorities of law enforcement and the agencies in charge of intelligence (Argomaniz, 2011). The legislation formulated within the administrative structure of the European Union form a basis for fighting terrorism. The Commission and EEAS are considered to be important stakeholders who play major roles in combatting the terrorism monster. The Commission’s DG Home mandate is to develop policies that concentrated on the internal aspects related to counter-terrorism. The internal policies which are evaluated to have external implication usually emanate from the EEAS. Therefore, the commission is mandated to propose as well as monitor the implementation of legislation based on counter-terrorism (European Union, 2004). The corporation that has existed between the law enforcement and security agencies in Europe has worked positively to impede terrorist attacks in the past years. A practical example involves the authorities of the German and the French who were fortunate to avert a major attack targeted at Strasbourg. The result of this was eventual trial and conviction of the terrorist suspects in both of the countries. Another example can be drawn from Belgium where a terrorist was convicted for a planned attack on a NATO air base (Bossong. R, 2012). b) Information Exchange The council has a role of ensuring that there exists a fluent system which facilitates the process of information flow so as to be able to combat terrorism. For information flow to be efficient then, it has to be timely and accurate in terms of its collection, analysis and its eminent dissemination. Effective progress has been perpetuated by the stimulation of co-operation among Europe’s security and intelligence services through the reinforcement of the Situation Centre (SitCen) in the Council Secretariat. The presence of SitCen has boosted the strategic analysis of terror threats through the information from the intelligence of security member states. At times information is provided by Europol (Bigo, D. (Ed.), 2010). The fight against terrorism points out at the importance of sharing information. For an organisation like the EU, the sharing of information is considered of paramount significance in efforts towards curbing terrorism. There need to be a strong and secure databases like the one used by European Union, which include; Schengen Information System [SIS], SIS II and Eurodac. Europol too applies the application of sophisticated technologies, information systems and databases such as Secure Information Exchange Network Application [SIENA]; the Crime Scene platform Website/European Analysis System and the Check the Web Platform. Europol is strengthening the task force in charge of counter-terrorism. Eurojust as part of it is also playing a vital role in assisting the prosecutors and investigating judges to have a clear cooperation to the extent of across the borders. According to the adopted Hague programme on Freedom, Security and Justice of 2004, the head of states as well as the governments called for the free exchange of law enforcement information. Hence, this meant that any law enforcement from any of the member state in need of information so as to perform their duties will be availed subject to some criteria (Den Boer, 2000) c) Finance of Terrorism It is evident that terrorists need finances in order to carry out their inhumane activities. Therefore, the Union has come up with the Counter-terrorism strategy, which aims at identifying and disrupting any channel through which terrorism gets financed. The Security Council has been vigilant to identify a list consisting some of the individuals and groups who have been linked to terrorism in order to freeze their assets. The Security Council has established that due to high alert from the world authorities, the terrorist have now away from using the regular banking system. Therefore, the EU has been very keen and focussed on adopting of regulations directed at inhibiting alternative cash movement systems utilized for terrorism acts (Wright, 2006) d) Protection of Critical infrastructure & Civil Protection Civil protection and response management in most cases falls under the member states’ national competence. The government of the member states agreed unanimously that in case of a terrorist attack to one of their members then they are dedicated to assisting one another. The best way agreed is to mobilize the all the resources within their disposal to assist the attacked state, for instance, military resources. The commission is seeking to submit proposals that will facilitate the protection of the union’s critical infrastructure, for example, transport, communications and energy. In addition, the European Union is working tirelessly with a vision to improve its capabilities that will make it prompt to prevent and respond in a rapid way to bioterrorism (Mitsilegas, 2003). e) Increased External Relations Terrorism is taken to be a worldwide phenomenon that calls for a global attention. The 1566 Resolution of the UN Security council stipulates that activities to do with terrorism are by no means justifiable under any circumstance. Whether it is political, racial, ideological, religious or any aspect of a similar nature. Although there is the aspect of the member states working together, a lot remains to be done in terms of the global alliance to fight the terrorism monster. In respect to this, European Union has opted to mainstream the issues relating to terrorism especially with third world countries. Therefore to promote this, EU plans the injection of counter-terrorism clauses into all external agreements. Such clauses will lead to stronger alliances that will help combat terrorism on a global scale (European Council, 2007). f) Enhancing Working relationship with UN The external dimension of fighting terrorism highly involves the working together of EU in collaboration with the United Nations. When it comes to the terrorism aspect of security then, UN has usually being a key partner. As per the resolutions 1267, 1373, 1540 and 1566 of the UN Security Council, the role played by United Nations has been enhanced significantly. Thus, the EU is dedicated to seeing that these resolutions are effective. Also, the EU is working tirelessly to promote the worldwide ratification of the impending 12 UN conventions directed towards curbing terrorism. Furthermore, the EU underscores the essence of making sure that the signature and the subsequent ratification is performed in compliance to UN convention against corruption. The finalisation of discussion is by the adoption of International convention for the reduction of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (Coolsaet, 2010). The EU has its focus fixed on the adoption of the Convention on terrorism. EU and UN have furthered their cooperation through the delivery of aid as well as technical support to the nations that are short of abilities to implement the legal framework provided by the UN Resolutions and Conventions. EU has been calling upon the commission so that the can increase the funding to the projects associated with capacity-building especially in third countries. It’s within the agendas of both the UN and EU to addressing any loopholes that are expediting the recruitment and support for terrorism. EuS counter-terrorism strategy seeks to ensure that efforts get channelled towards promoting resolution of regional conflicts, good governance and human rights. The reason associated to this is that the presence of regional conflicts and bad governance favours the atmosphere for recruitments into terrorism (Hoffman, 1998). g) Partnership Instrument Besides the available opportunities to adhere in UN framework, the European Union has its sights focussed on establishing a regional co-operation. This co-operation is form of European Neighbourhood Policy. The EU agreed on Actions plans with partners both in the south and to the east that encompasses objectives that focus on combating the menace of terrorism (Kerchove & Biolley, 2010). h) Radicalisation and Recruitment The EU has a long-term to bring to end acts of terrorism. The Union is seeking to impede the recruitment of the next generation into these illegal groups and thus it will seek to comprehend the reasons that drive people to join such groups. Thereafter, the Union will look forward to developing strategies that will stop this recruitment from taking place. The aim will be making the globe a safer and fearless place to live in (United States National Security Strategy, 2002) i) Security research The existing policies are much dependent on the availability of a cutting-edge technology for their implementation and further development. The commission has, therefore, been involved in all aspects to make sure that the advancement of the required technology is supported by comprehensive research (Rees, 2006). In a view to prioritizing on the research and innovation meant for the future, the commission in 2007 went ahead to launch a consultative forum referred to as European Security Research and Innovation Forum (ESRIF). This forum assembled all security research stakeholders. The forum is a pointer that EU takes security issues very serious by tasking the scientific research team to equip them with the appropriate knowledge base necessary for sound decision making (Keohane, 2008). j) Funding The commission in involved in two types of funding especially for security related projects. First and foremost, is the operational, highly specific and policy-oriented activity. The funding supported by Framework Programme on Security and Safeguarding Liberties comprises of two specific programmes. They include is prevention, preparedness and consequence management of Terrorism as well as Prevention of and Fight against Crime. The overall budget for this security project is approximated to be EUR 740 million for the period between 2007 and 2013 Secondly, is the research referred as long-term which is supported by the Security Theme. It is under the 7th Framework programme and for the period of 2007-2013, its approximated budget hit a figure of EUR 1.4 million. The projects under this category aim at those that will build the capacity for security levels to so as to protects the citizens from issues like crime, terrorism, natural disasters and industrial accidents. (Bures, 2013) Conclusion It is true to say that EU faces a lot of challenges. The challenges that include; being engulfed by member states who still are inclined to bilateral cooperation as seeing in most of the third countries. By the virtue that EU is just a body which lacks similar competences as associated with member states, yet they are on the forefront to strike a balance between fundamental rights against security better than its member states. (Council of the European Union, 2009). The indecisive nature of some of the member states leaves EU torn in the middle like those members who are reluctant to take issues forward makes it harder for it to deliver its mandate effectively. The overall budget is very limited. In the midst of the above challenges, the European Union has being able to play its role in an effective way which makes me accord it a positive post-evaluation in war on terror. References Argomaniz, J. (2010) ‘Post-9/11 institutionalisation of European Union Counter-terrorism: Emergence, Acceleration and Inertia’, European Security 18: 2, pp. 151 – 172. Argomaniz, J. (2011). The EU and Counter-terrorism. Politics, Polity and Policies. London: Routledge. Bigo, D. (Ed.). (2010). Europes 21st century challenge: delivering liberty. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. Bossong, R. (2012). The evolution of EU counter-terrorism: European security policy after 9/11. Routledge. Bures, O. (2013). EU counterterrorism policy: a paper tiger?. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. Coolsaet, R. (2010) ‘EU counterterrorism strategy: value added or chimera?’ International Affairs, 86:4, pp. 857-873. Council of the European Union (2009) EU Action Plan on combating terrorism, 15358/09, 26 November 2009, p. 31. Den Boer, M. (2000) ‘The fight against terrorism in the Second and Third Pillars of the Maastricht Treaty: Complement or overlap?’ in F. Reinares (ed) European Democracies against Terrorism: Governmental Policies and Intergovernmental Cooperation, (The Onati International Institute for the Sociology of Law, Ashgate, Dartmouth). European Council (2004) ‘Declaration on Combating Terrorism’, 25 March 2004. European Union. (2004). The European Unions Role in the fight against terrorism. Sofia: European Union. European Council (2007) Treaty of Lisbon, Official Journal of the European Union, C 306/1, 17 December 2007. Hoffman, B. (1998) Inside Terrorism, (Columbia University Press, New York). Keohane, D. (2005) The EU and Counter-terrorism (London: CER) Keohane, D. (2008) ‘The absent friend: EU foreign policy and counter-terrorism’, Journal of Common Market Studies, 46, 1, pp.125-146. Kerchove, G. de and Biolley, S. de (2010) ‘The EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator’, in J. Monar (ed.) The Institutional Dimension of the European Union’s Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (Brussels: P.I.E Peter Lang). Lesser, I., Hoffman, B., Arquilla, J., Ronfeldt, D., Zanini, M. and Jenkins, B. (1999) Countering the New Terrorism, (RAND, Washington DC). Mitsilegas, V. (2003). The European Union And Internal Security: Guardian Of The People? Author: Valsamis Mitsilegas, Jorg Monar, Wyn Rees, Publis. Rees, W. (2006) Transatlantic Counter-terrorism Cooperation: The New Imperative, (Routledge, London). United States National Security Strategy (2002) The Whitehouse, Washington DC. Wright, J. (2006) ‘The Importance of Europe in the Global Campaign Against Terrorism’, Terrorism and Political Violence, 18, pp. 281 – 299. Read More