Brussels, 06/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 6 February, the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini presented the first comprehensive strategy “on tackling the crises in Syria and Iraq and the threat posed by Da'esh [Islamic State - IS]”.
The strategy, which was requested by the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 October, brings together the planned or ongoing initiatives at EU and member state level in order to strengthen their effectiveness. “We are now better equipped to do more together - with our member states, regional partners and the international community - in political and diplomatic terms as well as through aid and on security. We can now better tackle the root causes of instability and violence”, Mogherini stated in a press release.
The recommended measures focus on emergency aid, stabilisation and development in the region, and the fight against the threat posed by terrorist groups such as IS. Emphasis is placed on Syria and Iraq with specific objectives for each country. Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey are also targeted.
The strategy is to be given an additional €1 billion in funding for 2015 and 2016. About 40% of the new financial assistance will be channelled in the form of humanitarian assistance to Syria and Iraq, as well as neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees. In the European Commission's view, the new approach will promote the resilience and post-conflict reintegration of the refugees. The strategy also proposes actions preventing regional spill-overs of the two crises. It thus proposes to increase the EU's aid to the neighbouring countries in order to help them address the flows of refugees, ensure their security, help them with border management, and support the resilience of their local communities.
As regards the fight against terrorism, the new strategy envisages “combining member state and EU actions to stem the flow of foreign fighters and support Syria's neighbours in enhancing their border security”, the Commission states. Action on foreign fighters aims to support their prosecution and strengthen their monitoring, especially through the adoption of a European passenger name record (PNR) (see EUROPE 11246 and 11247). It also aims to develop international networks of experts against IS propaganda, and cooperation with the International Criminal Court.
The objective is also to work on communication in order to counter violent extremism in the region, targeting the most exposed segments of the population - especially young people. The EU will continue to prioritise education for children and adolescents -the most efficient way to curb extremism. The action against terrorism will also have to target the neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. If necessary, the EU could create an autonomous sanctions regime to accompany the United Nations sanctions system against Al-Qaeda, the Commission says.
The EU's action will be backed financially by the instrument contributing to stability and peace (IcSP), the European neighbourhood instrument (ENI) and CFSP financing where appropriate. (CG and SP)