Brussels, 09/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 9 September, the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission stated that the strongest response to hatred and fanaticism (which led to 11 September attacks on American soil) could be found in the Arab Spring.
In a joint press release, the two European leaders, Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso, state that, “ten years on, the people in the streets of Tunis, Cairo, Benghazi and across the Arab world have sent a strong signal for freedom and democracy. This is the strongest answer to the fatuous hate and blind fanaticism of the 9/11 crimes”. They also note, however, that the fanatical ideology behind these attacks is still a threat, which is why Europe continues to support its friends and allies in the global struggle against terrorist networks and the economic support these networks receive, the president of the European Council and his counterpart at the Commission explained. They added that Europe would continue to be vigilant and work with its US allies to prevent the propagation of terrorism and false ideas.
The two EU leaders are calling for the fight to be continued against extremism and the recruitment of new terrorists. In a reference to accusations levelled against the US and the CIA (in connection with methods employed for tracking down terrorists), they said that ultimately, it would be impossible to win the war on terrorism unless they remained loyal to the fundamental values of Europe and the world. They added: “Promoting the rule of law, human rights and democratic governance, open intercultural dialogue and providing economic and educational opportunities is the best guarantee to enhance the security of our citizens and that of our international partners”.
Commission launches network for fighting against violent extremism
With two days to go until the 10th anniversary of the attacks committed on 11 September, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström launched the Radicalisation Awareness Network, which aims to counter violent extremism. The Commissioner explained that this initiative would, “support member states' efforts to prevent violent radicalisation and the recruitment of individuals to terrorist activities”. As experience has shown, terrorism cannot be linked to one faith or political persuasion, or any particular region. “Our efforts in the fight against violent extremism must therefore take into account the different patterns of radicalisation. It is also important to acknowledge that ideological inspiration and reference points for radicalisation can also be found within the political ideas of populist movements in the EU”, said Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.
In practical terms, the network will connect key actors involved in countering radicalisation across the EU such as social workers, religious leaders, youth leaders, policemen, researchers and others who work on the ground in vulnerable communities.
The inauguration of the network will bring together the first members of the network and representatives of the member states, Norway and the EU Institutions. The inaugural meeting will allow participants to discuss how to make the RAN operational and to exchange their views on the priorities of the network.
The purpose of the network is to identify good practices and promote the exchange of information and experience in different fields of violent radicalisation such as, for example, the use of internet and social media for extremist propaganda and use by terrorists of information and communications technologies. The network will work towards countering radicalisation before it leads to violent extremism. It will be supported by an online forum and EU-wide conferences to pool experiences and knowledge in order to enhance awareness about radicalisation and communication techniques. It will encourage credible role models and opinion leaders to voice positive messages offering alternatives to violent, extremist propaganda. The network will also contribute to policy processes at national and European level and support the European Commission and the member states in their work and provide them with adequate instruments for preventing terrorism. (L.C./O.L./transl.fl)