Key role in European anti-terror committee

European Parliament member Helga Stevens has been appointed as co-reporter in Europe’s Special Committee on Counter-Terrorism (TERR). She will also contribute recommendations to strengthen the European anti-terrorism policy and to eliminate shortcomings in the fight against terrorism. “It is a great honour to take on this key position. The safety of citizens is an absolute priority for me,” Helga Stevens says.

The European Parliament’s anti-terror committee will meet for a year and carry out a number of fact-finding visits during that time. “The exchange of data among the Member States and among the various European information systems is an important point for attention,” says Helga Stevens. “However, we will also examine anti-terrorism legislation, European border control, the operation of Europol and cooperation with non-EU countries. The committee will also look at how it can improve victim support by inviting relevant victim organisations.”

Best practices

This anti-terror committee will be a significant new step in the fight against terror. “The focus must in the first place be on practically deployable recommendations such as the listing of best practices in the various Member States. Countries that lag behind can then use these to get straight to work. Special attention must be given not only to securing vulnerable sites such as airports and railway stations, but also to deradicalisation programmes,” Helga Stevens concludes.