Counter-terrorism Strategies of the European Union Member States: Legal Foundations and Implementation Mechanisms Comparative Analysis
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the European Union's counter-terrorism strategies, focusing on their legal foundations and implementation mechanisms. The research examines the historical evolution of counter-terrorism cooperation in Europe from the 1970s to the present day, including pivotal developments such as the formation of the TREVI group, the adoption of the 1977 European Convention on Counter-Terrorism, and the post-9/11 policy shifts. Special attention is given to the 2005 EU Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars: prevention, protection, pursuit, and response. The study analyzes the institutional framework established for counter-terrorism cooperation, including the role of the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and the European Counter-Terrorism Centre within Europol. The research also evaluates the effectiveness of various EU security initiatives, particularly the 2015 European Security Agenda, highlighting both achievements and challenges in implementation. The paper identifies current problems in EU counter-terrorism efforts, such as disparities in member states' implementation approaches, limitations in anti-radicalization measures, and the challenge of balancing security measures with civil liberties. Furthermore, it proposes specific recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the EU's counter-terrorism framework, including the establishment of an independent monitoring system, modernization of anti-radicalization programs, and development of legal and ethical standards for using advanced technologies in counter-terrorism efforts.
Keywords
European Union, counter-terrorism strategy, legal frameworkHow to Cite
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