Border security, migration and Syrian refugee crisis also discussed by EU
Interior Ministers at today’s (7 June) meeting of the Justice and Home
Affairs Council in Luxembourg
Fight against terrorism
Measures aimed at tackling terrorism were discussed today on the second day
of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Central to the
debate were the risks posed by foreign fighters returning from conflict
zones, notably in Syria, to EU Member States. Such individuals may pose a
threat by radicalising and recruiting others due to their combat veteran
status as well as by using their combat experience for terrorist acts.
Commenting on the discussion, Ireland's Minister for Justice, Equality and
Defence, Alan Shatter, Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, said
"Regrettably, there is evidence to suggest that some travelling fighters
are being exploited and radicalised in trouble zones, such as North Africa
and Syria, with a view to creating a threat to Europe upon their return.
It is essential that we do all we can to protect young people from these
dangers and to show them that there are more fruitful ways to make
contributions to their societies than self destruction."
The Ministers’ discussion, prompted by a paper presented by the EU
Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, focused on the importance of taking a
multi-dimensional approach to the phenomenon including analysis, prevention
and the provision of assistance to individuals returning from conflict
zones, in addition to criminal justice and law enforcement actions.
Council agreed to proceed with a package of measures proposed by the
Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and asked him to report on progress later
this year. Ministers also called for an update of the EU Strategy for
Combating Radicalisation and Recruitment to Terrorism with the aim of
strengthening their fight against terrorism.
Syrian refugee crisis
Another troubling consequence of such appalling conflicts is the
devastating effects they have on innocent civilian populations. Today's
meeting addressed the worsening refugee crisis resulting from the conflict
in Syria. Latest information from the UNHCR shows that there are over 1.5
million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries, 76% of whom are women
and children. It is estimated that a further 1.2 million people are
internally displaced within Syria as a result of the conflict. It is clear
that the Syrian crisis continues to worsen and that the plight of refugees
should be alleviated as much as possible. Ministers had an informative
discussion and will return to the matter at the Informal Council in
Lithuania next month.
Asylum and border matters
The Irish Presidency was delighted to update Member States on provisional
agreements reached with the European Parliament on a range of measures on
asylum and border security matters. Agreement was reached with the
European Parliament on the completion of the Common European Asylum System
in March and last week the Parliament and Presidency successfully completed
negotiations on Schengen Governance.
Welcoming these successes, Minister Shatter said "I am pleased the Irish
Presidency has been able to reach agreements with Parliament on the
completion of the Common European Asylum System and on the Schengen
Governance package. These measures will help to ensure the consistent and
equitable treatment of asylum seekers across the EU and enhance the
security and stability of the Schengen border-free arrangements, directly
benefiting many millions of people within the European Union."
Free movement
There was a constructive discussion on the issue of alleged abuse of free
movement rights by some EU nationals. Council agreed that the Commission
should further investigate the evidence available and report back to the
Justice and Home Affairs Council in October