UK Aviation Bomb Plot: Joint declaration by EU Commission VP Frattini and VP Barrot

Following this morning's events in the United Kingdom in regard to the disruption of a major terrorist plot, the European Commission has been in close and continuous contact with the UK authorities. Vice-President Franco Frattini has congratulated his colleague Home Secretary John Reid and British authorities on the police and intelligence work undertaken, which seems to have been very effective and saved many lives.

"Today's events", Vice-President Frattini stated, "show once more that terrorism is a continuous and global threat in Europe and in other parts of the world, which calls for a constant, concerted response from all European countries, institutions and peoples. The European Union's counter-terrorism policies in all its dimensions, including prevention, protection, prosecution and response, will be implemented with full vigour to this end". Vice-President Barrot welcomed the quick Europe-wide reaction to coordinate air traffic management through Eurocontrol, which has prevented flights from taking off to Heathrow airport. On a case by case basis Eurocontrol, in full concertation with UK authorities, also helped to reroute European flights already on their way to Heathrow. Vice -President Barrot stated: "the aviation industry had shown great solidarity in very difficult circumstances".

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• EU Informal Meeting on Counter-Terrorism (16/8/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - Informals on a Counter-Terrorism Strategy  (11/5/2006)
• Declaration by the EU Presidency on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (31/3/2006)