EU Presidency Statement - Terrorist acts

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the associated countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, Iceland and Norway, declare that they align themselves with this statement.

The European Union unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, irrespective of their motivation, forms and manifestation.

The European Union believes that the fight against terrorism requires global response and national preparedness in order to prevent and suppress terrorist acts. We believe, however, that efforts to combat this scourge must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, humanitarian law as well as the rule of law.

The EU and its Member States recognize the central role of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism and have been strongly supporting the Counter-Terrorism Committee.

The European Union wishes to reiterate its appreciation to the Counter-Terrorism Committee for its continued hard work and dedication in achieving universal and full implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and enhancing the counter-terrorist capacities of Member States.

We also would like to pay tribute to the Chairman of the CTC, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, for the excellent work he has done. Under his guidance and advice the Committee has found its way to successfully deal with the many challenges it faced and charter a sure course for the future. At the same time, we extend to his successor, Ambassador Arias of Spain, our best wishes for an accomplished turn at the helm of the Committee.

Mr. President,

The European Union and its Member States have displayed a sincere interest in all endeavors undertaken by the Counter-Terrorism Committee in pursuing the fulfillment of its mandate. We would particularly like to underline the Security Council Ministerial Meeting of 20 January 2003 on Combating Terrorism, and Resolution 1456 (2003) calling on all States to take urgent action to prevent and suppress all active and passive support to terrorism. This resolution also underlines the importance of technical and other assistance to States in order to improve their capacity to prevent and fight terrorism. In this respect it calls all States to assist each other and invites the CTC to step up its efforts to facilitate the provision of such assistance by developing targets and priorities for global action.

Mr. President,

Resolution 1456 (2003) stresses the need for closer cooperation between the CTC and regional and sub-regional organizations in the fight against terrorism. The European Union welcomed the convening of the Special Meeting of the Security Council's Counter Terrorist Committee (CTC) with international, regional and sub-regional organizations on 6 March this year. The EU submitted at that meeting a third report detailing the wide range of legislative and political measures taken in the areas covered by resolution 1373 (S/AC.40/2003/SM.1/2). The report also indicated that signature and ratification of the 12 United Nations counter-terrorism Conventions is a matter of high priority for the EU member States, which are committed to ratification through the adoption of Council Common Position (2001/930/CFSP of 27.12.2001).

The fight against the financing of terrorism continues to be a priority for the EU. A number of recommendations have been adopted in order to enhance the efforts of the EU in this field. In particular, the EU has strengthened its internal procedures so as to prevent terrorist groups from obtaining or deviating funds that are directed towards charitable purposes.

Furthermore, the EU attaches great importance to international and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism. It has signed bilateral agreements and developed cooperation mechanisms with third countries. Anti-terrorism clauses are being included in many EU agreements with third countries. The EU actively supports and participates in the counter-terrorism activities carried out in the Council of Europe, the OSCE and in various UN bodies, including the Office of Drug Control. In addition, the EU has taken various steps to provide technical assistance to third countries in their efforts to implement resolution 1373. New projects have been developed specifically designed to help selected countries to fulfill their obligations under the resolution.

Moreover, the EU has adopted measures in the field of police and judicial cooperation in order to combat terrorism. The Framework Decision on combating terrorism will provide member States with a common definition of terrorist acts and terrorist groups. Likewise the European Arrest Warrant provides for simplified surrender procedures between judicial authorities of member States, based upon the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions.

Mr. President,

The EU believes that possible links between terrorism and organized crime, and drug trafficking merit close attention. An EU Council Decision has been adopted recently to counter these problems, by placing specific emphasis on simultaneous investigation. A joint Commission-EU Council Civil Protection programme has been established to improve cooperation in the EU for preventing and limiting the consequences of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear terrorist threats.

The EU also recognizes the role of the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the Centre for the International Crime Prevention to strengthen the capabilities of the United Nations in the prevention of terrorism and to offer advice on the implementation of both the pertinent Security Council Resolutions and the UN legal instruments against terrorism.

In addition, in order to reduce the risk posed should certain terrorist groups gain access to weapons of mass destruction, radioactive materials and means of delivery, the EU has taken concrete measures in the field of strengthening the relevant multilateral instruments on disarmament, arms control and proliferation; improving export controls; strengthening disarmament co-operation and enhancing political dialogue with third states.

Mr. President,

The EU is fully committed to actively and closely cooperating with the United Nations towards the common goal of combating terrorism.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts (20/2/2003)