18/04/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 18 April, MEPs approved the conclusion of the Council of Europe convention and its additional protocol on the prevention of terrorism. The recommendation on the conclusion of the convention, drafted by Helga Stevens (ECR, Belgium) was approved by 544 votes to 57 with 10 abstentions. The recommendation on the additional protocol by the same rapporteur was passed by 549 votes to 56 with 7 abstentions. The convention calls for criminalisation of terrorist activity, international cooperation and more protection, with compensation and support for victims. The additional protocol aims to meet the new terrorist threats by providing a common response to foreign terrorist fighters. It calls for the criminalisation of travel for terrorist purposes, financing and facilitation and the organisation of such trips. (SP)