EU Acts to Increase Counter-Terrorism Enforcement Cooperation

On July 31, 2002, the Commission of the European Communities presented a decision on the financing of certain activities of Europol to strengthen its cooperation to prevent and prosecute terrorism. In particular, the decision will target four activities: an European Union (EU) Bomb Data Network; Communication Network for Special Intervention Units; Operation Control Center; and the development of a common methodology for terrorism threat and risk assessments. The decision will finance the establishment of an EU bomb database accessible from workstations in the Counter-Terrorism Communication Network, which is an extendable secure communication network for the exchange of confidential operational data in real time in relation to all counter-terrorism related information and intelligence. EU Members will be able to exchange and disseminate data on explosive devices in real time. The decision indicates one of a series of actions taken by the EU in the wake of the September 11 terrorist incidents to increase its resources and mechanisms to detect, prevent, and combat transnational terrorism. The decision shows the unique capabilities of an economic integration organization for criminal justice and related matters. Other regional organizations may try to emulate some of the mechanisms.