Nieuwe voorstellen informatie-uitwisseling lidstaten voor betere terrorismebestrijding (en)

In the wake of the Madrid bombings and following the conclusions of the European Council of 25 and 26 March, the European Commission has adopted a Communication on the fight against terrorism, proposing new measures to improve the exchange of information in the EU to enable anti-terrorist services to do their job more effectively. This initiative also opens the way for a future "European court record". Information is to be exchanged on all offences, convictions and disqualifications linked to terrorism, including any form of financing of terrorist activities. The Commission proposes that the Member States be equipped with systems for registering bank accounts which would facilitate the gathering of evidence, especially where financing of terrorism is suspected.

António Vitorino, European Commissioner responsible for justice and home affairs, said: "The events of 11 March demonstrate the need for a stronger European commitment to the fight against terrorism. The Commission's initiative will help mend the gaps in European cooperation. The exchange of information is a major key to winning the fight against terrorism together".

Council Decision enabling the services involved to have access to the most complete and up-to-date information:

The Commission's proposal widens the scope of the exchange of information to all terrorist offences within the meaning of the Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on combating terrorism.

The obligation to exchange information will thus apply to all terrorist offences or offences relating to a terrorist group known to the Member States, including participation in the activities of a terrorist group through any form of financing, as well as attempts at, complicity in and incitement to such offences.

From now on, the exchange of information will apply to all stages of proceedings, including criminal convictions, which can be very useful in investigations.

Europol and Eurojust must be sent information on terrorist offences at all stages of proceedings, including convictions.

Commission Communication on measures to be taken to combat terrorism and other forms of serious crime:

This initiative comprises several other measures aimed at combating the financing of terrorism and organised crime:

• The Commission will launch discussions in the Forum on Organised Crime Prevention on the establishment of a database or a consolidated computerised list of persons, groups and entities covered by restrictive measures to combat terrorism or under criminal investigation for terrorist offences. This work will be undertaken in partnership with the private sector and in liaison with Europol.

• The Commission will shortly be consulting with the Member States with a view to producing a proposal for legislation to establish a European court record before the end of 2004.

• The Commission will take measures to ensure that Member States are equipped with national systems for registering bank accounts allowing holders to be identified and facilitating investigations into bank accounts and movements of funds.

• The Commission will toughen Union legislation on criminal organisations and, before the end of 2004, will prepare a Framework Decision to replace the Joint Action of 1998 on participation in a criminal organisation.