EU Council Agrees on Counter-Terrorism Enforcement Measures

On July 22, 2002, the European Union General Affairs Council (GAC) announced its agreements to adopt additional external measures to prevent and combat terrorism. It explained that its decision was taken pursuant to the Sevilla Declaration, in line Action of September 21, 2001, and consistent with the obligations established by UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The EU GAC agreed to review and amend counter terrorism aspects of relations with third countries, including a appropriate contractual relation, following the systematic evaluation the GAC started in October 2001. The GAC will focus political dialogue more sharply on particular countries, regions and multilateral frameworks, on specific issues related to counter terrorism, and ensuring follow up. The GAC will identify specific actions to assist third countries in implementing their commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1373, and identifying a small number of countries on which to focus, in consultation with the UN Counter Terrorism Committee, in order to start a pilot project. The Council will increase the effectiveness of existing instruments implementing UNSCR 1373, including exchanging the best practice.