The Fight Against Terrorism

Significant benefits could be achieved by the EU and its Member States by addressing the gaps and barriers in the area of the fight against terrorism, notably by developing an evidence-based EU criminal policy cycle involving the European Parliament and national parliaments. In this context, EU institutions should conduct comprehensive ex-ante assessments and ex-post evaluations of counterterrorism measures, in line with better law-making principles. The effectiveness and fundamental rights compliance of counter-radicalisation programmes should continue to be monitored. The framework for countering terrorism requires further refinement. A European law enforcement culture with full respect for fundamental rights needs to be fostered in which relevant information is shared and analysed, judicial cooperation tools are properly utilised and seeking the support of EU agencies becomes a natural reflex. This also requires the allocation of significant resources aimed at training and exchanges. Beyond resulting in more relevant, coherent, effective and efficient action in the fight against terrorism, such measures could increase the wellbeing of the population, reduce the material and immaterial impacts of terrorism, and ensure protection of fundamental rights when impacted by counterterrorism measures. In terms of methodology, this study relies mainly on desk research, which includes comparative studies on Member States' legal systems, and reports on their implementation of relevant EU law. EPRS also commissioned a research paper from RAND, which reviewed the gaps and barriers in EU action and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, assessed economic and non-economic impacts on individuals and society of terrorism and counterterrorism measures. The same research paper identified and analysed possible options for addressing the more prominent gaps and barriers. The RAND research paper is annexed to this Cost of Non-Europe report.