On Tuesday Members of the Special Committee on Terrorism (TERR) voted on their report of findings and recommendations aiming to lower the terrorist threat in Europe. The report was adopted with an ample majority in the committee and it will now make its way to the European Parliament's plenary in December. The TERR Committee started its work in September 2017 and in the past year it has organised numerous hearings to consult with national and international stakeholders working in counter-terrorism as well as with specialists in the prevention of radicalisation and in support for victims of terrorism.

Nathalie Griesbeck MEP and Chair of the Special Committee welcomed the adoption of the report: "The response to the terrorist threat must come from Europe, the immense work done in recent months by the Special Committee on Terrorism has demonstrated this. I welcome the adoption of this report, which is the result of many meetings and fruitful exchanges. Last night, we voted for concrete and balanced recommendations that promote more cooperation, better information exchange, intensification of the fight against radicalization and extended rights for the victims."

Maite Pagazaurtundúa Ruiz MEP and Shadow rapporteur of the report said: "The announcement of a specific directive for the victims of terrorism is very important, and in addition to providing ambitious content, it will be an extraordinary step forward in the service of victims throughout Europe. Creating safe and appropriate care protocols in attacks both inside and outside the EU is crucial for victims.

It is essential that institutions protect victims from all sorts of humiliation and violation of their rights, as we have seen recently in the Basque Country when terrorists were released from prison. On other occasions victims face retaliation by the social sectors related to the aggressors. We must also remember that hate speech – providing a nest for terrorism – is not protected by freedom of expression, in accordance with Article 10.2 of the European Convention on Human Rights."

Gerard Deprez ALDE Coordinator for the TERR Committee commented: "Nearly half of Europeans consider the fight against terrorism to be one of their main concerns, so the adoption of the report of the Special Commission on Terrorism proves that the European Parliament is meeting their expectations.

We therefore call on the Member States to increase police and judicial cooperation, as well as to enhance information exchange between their intelligence services. In order to fight terrorism in the most effective way, the European Union must adopt an ambitious policy and tools, always in full respect of European values ​​and fundamental rights. "