NCJ Number
203267
Date Published
2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper briefly presents the European Union’s (EU) reaction to terrorism after the attacks on the United States in September 2001 and their response in the domain of Justice and Home Affairs.
Abstract
Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, there has been an enhanced cooperation and solidarity between the European Union and the United States. The solidarity with the United States included full support for the action taken by the United States against terrorism in all its aspects within the framework defined by the United Nations. On September 21, 2001, the European Council adopted an Action Plan directed toward measures to be implemented with the United States and with other partners of the European Union. The Action Plan has increased and sustained contact between the European Union and the United States administration. The attacks on the United States spurred a range of legislative and operational measures designed to enhance police and judicial cooperation, to stop the funding of terrorism, strengthen security, and respond to threats of use of biological and chemical weapons. Several response measures presented include: (1) enhanced role and capacity for Europe; (2) setting up a EUROJUST unit to facilitate the proper coordination of national prosecuting authorities and supporting criminal investigations; (3) reduce funding of terrorist activities; (4) police cooperation; (5) strengthening security in the air and at airports; and (6) responding to threats of use of biological and chemical weapons. Measures currently under review include judicial cooperation-the negotiation of EU/US agreement on criminal matters, and border control and migration management.