EU urges enhanced int'l cooperation to fight terrorism

BRUSSELS, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- The European Commission presented Wednesday alongside its 11th Security Union Report a set of practical measures to better defend EU citizens against terrorist threats.
"We are launching today a EUR 18.5 million (USD 21.8 million) call from the internal security fund to finance projects to protect public spaces this year. In 2018, a further EUR 100 million (USD 117 million) from regional funding for next year," Julian KING, EU Commissioner in charge of the Security Union, told a press conference.
"Tackling terrorism requires us to work with our neighbours and partners to reinforce our international cooperation against the terrorist threat," he said.
"To enhance Europol's cooperation with third countries, we will recommend to the Council (of ministers) to open negotiations for agreements with Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey," said King.
He noted that the progress being made against 'Da'esh' on the ground in Iraq and Syria is welcoming news.
"But as they lose the foothold in their so-called caliphate, we should expect Da'esh to look for other ways to operate, to spread their propaganda and to wage their fight against our values and way of life. We need to be ready to respond. The measures we're announcing today will help further cut the space in which terrorists of all kinds can operate," he added. (end) nk.hb