EU mulls over new anti-terrorism measures

The European Commission was working on the European Agenda on Security with a view to its adoption in April, said the European Union (EU) Commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos on Thursday.

"Countering terrorism will be at the forefront of the Agenda," said the commissioner, adding that countering violent extremism and radicalization remained an important component of the EU's counter terrorism strategy.

He also suggested establishing a stable and long-term Forum at the EU level with internet service providers to look at how the EU can enhance collaboration to address terrorist materials on the internet and reduce the radicalizing effect.

He urged EU member states to adopt necessary measures to effectively tackle recruitment, training and travelling to third countries for preparing or committing terrorist acts.

The EU interior ministers, attending Thursday's Home Affairs Council meeting, discussed other anti-terrorism measures at the meeting, including reinforcing application of the Schengen Framework, combating radicalization on the internet by setting up internet referral capabilities, fighting the illicit trafficking of firearms and stepping up information sharing and operational cooperation. Endit