Informal meeting of the Heads of State or Government Brussels, 12 February 2015 - Statement by the members of the European Council

EU News 33/2015

12 February 2015
Council of the European Union
883/15 Justice Home Affairs

Europeans have reacted with deep sorrow and strong unity to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. These attacks targeted the fundamental values and human rights that are at the heart of the European Union - solidarity, freedom, including freedom of expression, pluralism, democracy, tolerance and human dignity. All citizens have the right to live free from fear, whatever their opinions or beliefs. We will safeguard our common values and protect all from violence based on ethnic or religious motivations and racism.

This also means fighting the enemies of our values. We will further reinforce action against terrorist threats, in full compliance with human rights and the rule of law. Today we agreed on the following to guide work over the months to come:

1. Ensuring the security of citizens (…)

2. Preventing radicalisation and safeguarding values (…)

3. Cooperating with our international partners (…)

Over recent weeks the Council has stepped up its work in the fight against terrorism. The European Union will take this work forward promptly, fully involving the High Representative, the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and the Member States. In April the Commission will present a proposal for a comprehensive European Agenda on Security. The Council will report on the detailed implementation of these orientations by the June European Council.

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/02/150212-european-council-statement-fight-against-terrorism/

Informal meeting of Heads of State and Government - February 2015 From left to right: Mr Alexis TSIPRAS, Greek Prime Minister; Mr Joseph MUSCAT, Maltese Prime Minister; Mr Mark RUTTE, Dutch Prime Minister; Mr Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the European Commission; Ms. Dalia GRYBAUSKAITE, President of Lithuania; Mr Francois HOLLANDE, President of France; Mr Viktor ORBAN, Hungarian Prime Minister; Mr Donald TUSK, President of the European Council. Shoot location: Brussels - BELGIUM Shoot date: 12/02/2015 (C)EU, 2015 URL

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