EU counter-terrorism developments

Abstract

The European Union (EU) has certainly become an important actor in terms of counterterrorism, especially inside Europe. Since the events of 9/11, the EU managed to dramatically improve its counter-terrorism institutions and mechanisms. When Europe suffered from its first big Jihadist attacks the EU accomplished to react rapidly. In addition, the Treaty of Lisbon was truly game-changing regarding the EU capacities in implementing more efficient counter-terrorist measures. Most importantly, the EU gained the legal basis necessary to legitimately act in the fight against Jihadist terrorism in Europe and outside it. Nevertheless, an analysis of official EU documents and of the literature suggests the EU’s power over counter-terrorism policy is not as great as its instruments suggest.