Anti-terrorism policy must be overhauled, says MEP

Dutch MEP wants to assess whether the measures introduced have been worth the cost.

A leading member of the European Parliament is calling for a full review of the EU’s counter-terrorism policy, to assess whether the measures introduced have been worth the cost – in money and in the loss of civil liberties.

Sophie in ’t Veld, a Dutch Liberal MEP, and a vice-chair of the Parliament’s civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee, is drafting a report urges “an in-depth and complete evaluation” of the counter-terrorism measures by a panel of independent experts.

According to in ’t Veld, the recommendation has wide support from members of the committee, who will discuss her draft during its meetings on 16-17 March.

In ’t Veld told European Voice that there was a “lack of coherence and a clear objective” in measures adopted since the terrorist attacks in the US in 2001, and in Spain and the UK in 2004 and 2005. She said her aim was “more efficient and effective policymaking” and more accountable EU’s anti-terror measures.

Justifying spending

MEPs have complained for years that the measures proposed by the Commission and adopted by member states lacked proper accountability and infringed civil liberties, notably on privacy and data protection. Claude Moraes, a UK centre-left MEP, said that the EU’s anti-terror policies had to face “much more justification” for the money spent on security measures. “We cannot be driven by fear anymore. What we want is effectiveness,” he said.

In ’t Veld said that the EU had to scrutinise the “costs and benefits” of the policies on a regular basis, as the European Court of Auditors does with other policy areas. “We do this with every policy area, so why not with counter-terrorism policies?” she asked.

Her draft report suggests a review panel should provide a “clear analysis”, exposing whether the policies resulted in improved security. The panel should also evaluate trends in terrorist activity and list the arrests and convictions and the attacks that were prevented. In ’t Veld argues that the panel should include not only EU counter-terrorism officials, but also independent security experts, human rights advocates and representatives from business groups.

Her draft also calls for the European Commission to draw up an exhaustive list of all counter-terrorism measures in the EU and to produce “before July 2011” a full report on all EU funds used for counter-terrorism measures.

The Dutch MEP hopes to have the report endorsed by the full Parliament by July.

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