BRUSSELS, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- EU interior and justice ministers exchanged views Thursday on radicalisation, on the basis of a report of the European Commission's high level group on radicalisation. They also discussed in the presence of the EU counter-terrorism group possible opportunities for further cooperation between competent authorities dealing with counter-terrorism.
"To be able to fight terrorism and improve the security of EU citizens we need to respond on all levels. This ranges from preventing radicalisation, improving cooperation between different authorities, to making sure we have access to the data we need to stop terrorists from committing attacks," Andres Anvelt, minister of interior of Estonia, whose country holds the current EU Presidency, told a press conference after the meeting this evening.
Ministers also discussed migration and the strengthening of the visa-free travel Schengen area. They highlighted the need to continue work on the various initiatives being taken to improve the control of the external border of the EU and preserve free movement. Dimitris Avramopoulos, EU Commissioner of Migration and interior affairs said "Europe canآ´t and never will be a fortress. We will continue to offer protection to those in need and we must share the responsibility in doing so." "Enhancing legal pathways to Europe is equally essential for that. We are already well on track to reach the 50.000 pledges for the settlement (of migrants) for the next two years (in EU countries)," he told the joint press conference. (end) nk.ibi