The European Parliament has today approved legislation establishing minimum rules on the definition of terrorist offences, offences related to a terrorist group or terrorist activities and penalties in this area. The text also provides specific measures for the protection, support and assistance to the victims of terrorism. Preparatory acts for terrorist purposes such as travelling abroad will be criminalised as soon as Member States transpose the directive into their national legal system. Thanks to this directive, Member States will have harmonised judicial tools to facilitate their cooperation.
Petr Ježek, ALDE Shadow rapporteur, said: “82% of Europeans want the EU to do more to combat terrorism. This directive is a clear answer to that demand”.
“Whilst responsibility for security lies primarily with Member States, recent terrorist attacks in Europe have shown that no country can face the terrorist threat on its own. We need to adapt our counter-terrorism measures to this reality and add a truly European approach”.
“This directive will strengthen the EU’s tools against terrorism by criminalising acts such as receiving training for terrorism or travelling for terrorist purposes. At the same time, we have made sure the legislation strikes the right balance between security and fundamental rights safeguards”.
“EU countries will have harmonised judicial tools. Cooperation among them must now be easier. It is vital to guarantee the security and safety of European citizens”.
