European Commission

Presentation of Mr. de Temmerman: International Security


By Iman Ayed


The second lecture during our visit to the European Commission was given by Danny de Temmerman, who works for the Directorate-General for Justice and Home Affairs, and dealt with the subject of EU international security (cyber crime, financial crime and terrorism).


He talked about new and developing threats for the EU, such as terrorism (bomb attacks, bio-terrorism, etc.), organized crime, and volume crime. Mr. de Temmerman said that we have to analyse the problem and look for legal solutions without over-alarming the citizens. An approach at the level of the EU is necessary. Increasing cross-border factors and internationalisation require a European answer in tackling these issues. There is a need for police and juridical co-operation under the so-called 3rd Pillar and we need specific co-operation instruments.


Mr. de Temmerman also talked about the Hague programme: the programme of 1999 which accelerated the efforts made at EU level to fill the gaps exploited by criminal groups. The Hague programme is a success for the European Council. The Council and the Commission adapted an action plan for implementing the Hague programme. The ten priorities for the next five years identified by the Commission can be summarized as follows:

  1. Fundamental rights and citizenship: creating fully-fledged policies

  2. The fight against terrorism: working toward a global response

  3. A common asylum area: establishing an effective harmonized procedure in accordance with the Union’ values and humanitarian tradition

  4. Migration management

  5. Integration: maximizing the positive impact of migration on our society and economy

  6. Internal borders, external borders and visas: developing an integrated management of external borders for a safer Union

  7. Privacy and security in sharing information: striking the right balance

  8. Organised crime: developing a strategic concept

  9. Civil and criminal justice: guaranteeing an effective European area of Justice for all

  10. Freedom, Security and Justice: sharing responsibility and solidarity.

He explained to us some of these priorities, like how the commission is trying to fight organised crime and terrorism. We found the presentation very interesting.



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