© wildpixel / iStock

The Network is a key component of the EU’s counter-terrorism and security toolbox and an important means through which the EU’s external counter-terrorism (CT) policy is implemented.  The Strategic Compass for Security and Defence recently underlined the importance of the Network in stepping up the EU’s engagement with strategic partners and in multilateral fora.  The work of the Network is central in fulfilling the EU’s goal of strengthening action in security and defence.

An overarching theme of this year was how best to reinforce the Network and deepen cooperation with partners globally to deliver more impactful and visible outcomes in the EU’s CT and security policy, as aspired by the EU Strategic Compass. The Network engaged in strategic discussions with the range of EU actors engaged in security – within the EEAS, European Commission and Council – on political/geopolitical issues at play, including the impact of the crisis in Ukraine, of ongoing conflicts/crises or CT threats emanating from the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, Central and South-East Asia, Western Balkans in particular, as well as how to better engage at the multilateral level, in cooperation with partners around the world, to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. Emphasis was also placed on the upcoming co-chairing of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) by the EU as of September, which the Network will support through its outreach and engagement effort with partner countries and regional organisations.

Background

The EU CT/Security Experts’ Network was established in November 2015, following Council Conclusions adopted earlier that year in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Paris (Charlie Hebdo).  Through the Network, CT/Security Experts are deployed to key EU Delegations globally with the aim of strengthening capacity and contributing to European counter-terrorism efforts in third countries.  The Network has steadily grown since 2015, with Experts deployed to EU Delegations within the European neighbourhood, across Africa and Asia, and engaging with multilateral organisations.