Brussels, 20/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 20 July, European Internal Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström presented an inventory of existing EU instruments in the context of European counter-terrorism strategy and an overview of EU information-sharing systems, as well as future challenges to be faced.
Counter-terrorist strategy. The communication on assessing the tools set in place for this strategy describes achievements as well as forthcoming challenges and initiatives. These results will fuel a general internal security strategy to be presented in autumn 2010. The following main tools and challenges assessed include: - A revised framework agreement on combating terrorism (2008). A communication will be presented in 2011 to review European strategy for combating radicalisation and recruitment. - In April 2008, a European action plan was approved to minimise the rise of terrorist attack using explosives. Proposals are foreseen to improve the control of access to dangerous substances and strengthen security in public transport. - An EU action plan on CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) was approved in November 2009, determining for years to come a precise working timetable for EU member states and institutions. - After the setting up of an EU civil protection mechanism, which ensures coordinated crisis response, especially to terrorist attack, the Commission is now examining how to strengthen rapid coordination and cooperation in the event of crisis, as well as how to make the solidarity clause operational. - Cooperation with EU partners, especially the United States, will be developed, especially through greater involvement of EU agencies such as Europol and Eurojust.
Information sharing. In the form of a communication, the Commission has drawn up an overview of existing instruments governing the collection, storage and exchange of personal data for the purpose of law enforcement or migration management. These instruments include: - the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS 2), Eurodac, the Visa Information System (VIS), the Prüm decision, the directive on data retention, Europol, and the agreement on the US Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme (TFTP). For each of these instruments, the document sets out the main objective, structure, the kind of personal data covered and the list of authorities that have access to such data, and points out the provisions that it contains on data protection and conservation. “This will help us keep the bigger picture in mind as we come to review the existing tools and adapt to change over time”, Malmström said, adding that, during the review, she had discovered many systems that she was previously unaware of. In parallel to this work, the Commission set out the main principles that should serve as a base for assessing information management instruments in the area of freedom, security and justice, and which will also guide the possible devising of new tools. In all its future policy proposals, the Commission specifies that it will assess the expected impact that the initiative in question will have on individuals' rights and explain whether it is necessary and proportionate to needs. Future proposals will include, where appropriate, an annual reporting obligation, periodic and ad hoc reviews, as well as a sunset clause. Existing instruments will be maintained only if they continue to serve the legitimate purpose for which they were first designed, the Commission said by way of conclusion. (B.C./transl.jl)