The Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism

13.11.2015

Question for written answer E-014744-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marielle de Sarnez (ALDE)

On Thursday, 22 October in Riga, 17 member states of the Council of Europe, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Belgium, signed the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism.

This document seeks to punish foreign terrorist fighters who travel to conflict zones, especially Syria and Iraq, and makes the initial preparatory work for acts of terrorism a criminal offence.

The current list of criminal offenses has been expanded to include intentionally participating in a terrorist group, receiving training for terrorism, travelling abroad for the purpose of terrorism and the funding or organising of such travel.

1. Does the Commission intend to encourage all Member States to sign and ratify this Protocol?

2. Will Commission incorporate these provisions into its own anti-terrorism legislation? If so, with what deadline?