EU approves rules to prevent terrorism and strengthen rights to victims

Member states will be given updated and extended tools to “respond to the evolving threat of terrorism” after EU ministers yesterday approved a set of new measures, the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU announced.

The new directives will enable law enforcement and judicial authorities in the EU to be betterequipped to act to prevent and prosecute individuals planning terrorist activities

“In doing so, the EU is providing authorities with a new set of preventive tools needed to adapt to the changing nature of terrorism,” the statement read.

The new rules criminalise a series of acts across the EU, such as undertaking terrorist training or travelling for terrorist purposes, as well as organising or facilitating such travel and the providing or collecting funds for terrorist purposes.

Commenting on the new directive, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said: “With this agreement, the EU is now better-equipped to meet the challenge of the evolving terrorist threat. Terrorism knows no borders, but the message is now clear: Foreign fighters, whether they travel to, from or within the EU, will be stopped. But security without the respect for fundamental rights is unacceptable. That is why the new rules also strengthen victims’ rights and include safeguards to individual freedoms.”

The Directive also bolsters existing legislation on the rights of victims of terrorism, such as the right to receive immediate access to professional support services providing medical and psychosocial treatments, or to receive legal or practical advice, as well as assistance with compensation claims.

The new directive strengthening rules to prevent terrorism will soon be signed by the Maltese Presidency on behalf of the Council of the EU, together with the European Parliament. It will then be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later.