The Council renewed without amendment the “European Union terrorist list”, which includes persons, groups and entities subject to restrictive measures to combat terrorism.
The 13 individuals and 21 groups and entities on the list are subject to the freezing of their funds and other financial assets in the EU. In addition, EU operators are forbidden from providing funds and economic resources to them.
The Council established the list for the first time pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1373/2001, which followed the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. It reviews the list at regular intervals and at least every six months, based on information on new events and developments regarding designations.
This sanctions regime is independent of the EU regime implementing UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015). These Resolutions target Al-Qaeda and ISIL/Da’esh and also allow the EU to autonomously apply restrictive measures to ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda, as well as associated or supporting persons and entities.
As strongly expressed on all fronts, the fight against terrorism is an EU priority. Member States collaborate to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure the safety of citizens. The EU is working on various aspects, such as the prevention of radicalisation, the EU terrorist list, the exchange of information, the figure of the EU counter-terrorism coordinator, actions against the financing of terrorism, the control of firearms, the digitalisation of judicial cooperation, measures to curb foreign terrorist fighters and cooperation with non-EU countries.
After a series of attacks since 2015, the European Union has been taking various measures to try to put a stop to terrorism.
Although the responsibility for fighting crime and safeguarding security lies primarily with the member states, recent terrorist attacks have shown that this is also a responsibility that requires cooperation and working together. The EU helps protect its citizens by acting as the main forum for cooperation and coordination between Member States.
Although radicalisation is not a new phenomenon, it has become a much more serious threat in recent years.
Online communication has made it easier for terrorists to communicate across borders and has amplified terrorist propaganda and the spread of extremism.
Member States’ competent authorities shall have the power to issue removal orders to service providers requiring them to remove terrorist content or disable access to such content within one hour.
The effective exchange of information between Member States’ police and judicial and intelligence authorities is crucial for fighting terrorism, tracking foreign fighters and taking on organised crime.
Money laundering and terrorist financing are also a major concern for the EU’s financial system and the security of its citizens.
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