The Lisbon Treaty defines the European Union as “an area of freedom, security and justice” in which the Union helps to ensure a high level of security. The European Council defined the political parameters for this in its Strategic Agenda for the Union in Times of Change of 26 June 2014 (EUCO 79/14). Alongside combating international terrorism, the fight against cross-border crime is a key task in the field of internal security. In February 2015, the European Council reacted to the attacks in Paris as well as to the challenge posed by EU citizens returning from fighting alongside Islamist groups in the war zones of Syria or Iraq and adopted a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. The strategy focuses on protecting citizens in Europe, preventing radicalisation and boosting international cooperation in the field of fighting terrorism.

In the field of police and judicial cooperation, measures are set to be implemented including further improving information sharing, increasing protection of external borders and ramping up the determined efforts to curb the illegal arms trade and terrorist financing. The EU agencies Europol and Eurojust play an important networking role in intensifying police and judicial cooperation.

The causes of radicalisation are also set to be addressed through a comprehensive approach. With a view to preventing radicalisation, reconnaissance is to be increased and public awareness efforts are to counter terrorist propaganda. Moreover, illegal terrorist content published on the internet is set to be detected and, in cooperation with internet companies, removed.

The European Council statement also includes foreign policy measures in the sphere of international cooperation, such as stronger cooperation with third countries in the field of security and in combating terrorism, intensive coordination at the international level and a dialogue between cultures and civilisations to promote fundamental freedoms together.