EU: The fight against terrorism should be made an objective of the European Security and Defence Policy, the Spanish Prime Minister, Mr José Maria Aznar, has told the European Parliament. In a speech outlining the aims of Spain's six-month term in the European Presidency, Mr Aznar identified terrorism as a major priority issue.
He argued that the EU should have "an important external political profile" and an enhanced presence in regions where peace and security were directly threatened, such as Central Asia and Afghanistan.
This highlighted the need for the Rapid Reaction Force: "No purpose will be achieved by ensuring a European presence if we are lacking in effective means for crisis management and, specifically, in military forces for limited operations which require a rapid reaction." It was essential to achieve "effective operational capability" in the immediate future, as well as "a definitive design" for consultation and co-operation with NATO.
Spain proposed starting a debate aimed at "converting the fight against terrorism into an objective of the European Security and Defence Policy". He added: "The credibility of the union's foreign policy must be based not only on its international presence, but on effective instruments that will allow for its development, and also on an exceptional level of dialogue."
The EU should co-operate more with the US in the fight against terrorism, he said. "Spain would like the Union to play a more active role against terrorism in the international ambit. A first step towards that end would be the development of close co-operation in matters of criminal law with the United States, in accordance with the principles that govern the legal system of the European Union."
The EU's Action Plan against terrorism should be reinforced, within the rule of law, "in order to eliminate any terrorist sanctuaries inside our borders". Joint investigating teams should be formed rapidly to increase the efficiency of European police work in this respect "and to prevent the financing of terrorists and those who shelter and support them."
Noting that the start of the Spanish presidency coincided with the election of a new president of the Parliament, Mr Aznar commented that Mr Pat Cox's reputation and standing "constitute an assurance that this House and the \ presidency will have fruitful political and institutional relations whose goal will be the strengthening of the EU and a greater role for the European Parliament."