Draft Council Conclusions on the Integrative and Complementary Approach to Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans - Main contents

Document date	16-11-2015
Publication date	17-11-2015
Reference	11625/2/15 REV 2
From	Presidency
External link	original article
Original document in PDF

Council of the European Union Brussels, 16 November 2015

PUBLIC

(OR. en)

11625/2/15 REV 2

LIMITE

JAI 623 ENFOPOL 228 COTER 118 COWEB 81

NOTE

From: Presidency

To: Terrorism Working Party

Subject: Draft Council Conclusions on the Integrative and Complementary

Approach to Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans

• 1. 

  Following the discussions in the Terrorism Working Party (TWP) and the joint TWP-COTER meeting in 2014 on the threat posed by the rise of violent extremism in the Western Balkans, recent terrorist attacks and arrests of several violent extremist leaders in the Western Balkans, it was agreed under the Hellenic Presidency to support the Slovenian Initiative on activities

  countering terrorism and violent extremism in the Western Balkans.

• 2. 

  During the Italian Presidency, the TWP agreed to reduce duplications and overlapping in countering terrorism and violent extremism activities in the Western Balkan region through a new cost-effective concept. This concept builds upon the needs and priorities which have been identified together with the Western Balkan countries and strategic partners active in the region. It uses a combined bottom-up and top-down approach and takes into account on-going and planned activities as well as available funding.

• 3. 

  The informal Working Group on the Western Balkan Counter-Terrorism Initiative (WBCTi)

  is composed of 17 Member States 1 and supported by the Commission, the European External

  Action Service (EEAS), Europol, the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and the Presidency of the Council of the EU. It was setup by the TWP on 18 November 2014 to further develop the Slovenian "EU Western Balkan Counter-Terrorism Initiative (WBCTi)". An Integrative Plan of Action (iPA)in line with existing EU policies was established to ensure optimal results and to avoid duplication.

• 4. 

  Under Slovenian chairmanship, co-chaired by Austria, the informal Working Group on

  WBCTi developed this draft iPA- a non-binding document attached to the draft Council Conclusions set out in the Annex, which invites Lead Partners and Partners defined in the document to implement agreed activities. Additionally, it recommends to Member States, EU institutions and agencies as well as to strategic partners active in the region, to consider the iPA before entering into any planning or funding of a new counter-terrorism activity in the Western Balkans, to be fully aware of the needs and priorities identified together with the region, and to consider it for the purpose of preventing duplication and overlapping.

• 5. 

  Following discussions in the TWP on 9 September and 21 October 2015 and written comments received, delegations will find in the Annex a revised version; the few changes made compared to the previous version are marked. It is the Presidency's intention ask COSI (Standing Committee on Operational Cooperation on Internal Security) for endorsement on 24 November 2015 with the aim of having the conclusions (referring to "the Annex to the Annex" which will be given a separate number) adopted at the December JHA-Council as an A-point.

1 Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy,

Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Slovenia.

ANNEX

DRAFT COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS OF … 2015 ON THE INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO COUNTER-TERRORISM AND VIOLENT

EXTREMISM IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

RECALLING the Statement of 12 February 2015 2 by the members of the European Council, which

underlined their commitment to further reinforce action against terrorist threats, in full compliance with human rights and the rule of law, and provided for a guidance to work towards ensuring the security of citizens, preventing radicalisation and safeguarding values as well as to engage more with third countries on security issues and counter-terrorism, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa and in the Sahel, but also in the Western Balkans, including through new capacitybuilding projects with partners and better targeted EU assistance;

REFERRING TO the Council conclusions on the development of the renewed Internal Security

Strategy of 4-5 December 2014 3 and the Council conclusions on the renewed European Union

Internal Security Strategy 2015 – 2020 4 , which acknowledged the growing links between the

European Union internal and external security and stressed the importance of an integrative and complementary approach aimed at reducing overlapping and avoiding duplication in stepping up cooperation and exchange of best practice with key third countries and partners on security aspects of mutual interest;

NOTING the Conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 9 February 2015on counterterrorism, under the leadership of High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) Mogherini, to strengthen cooperation with the countries in North Africa, the Middle East, the Gulf, Turkey and the Balkans;

2 SN 10/15.

3 15670/14.

4 9798/15 JAI 442 COSI 67.

BEARING IN MIND the Council guidelines for the EU Strategy for Combating Radicalisation and

Recruitment to Terrorism 5 ,inviting to co-ordinate and promote preventive strategies in priority

regions and third countries and to continue existing training opportunities and to share existing

Member States’ experiences and good practices as well as EU initiatives, such as RAN

(Radicalisation Awareness Network), and on-going EU support in third countries;

NOTING the conclusions of the Brdo Process Ministerial Conference in June 2014, where the

Ministers of the Interior of the Western Balkans recognised the value of this initiative and unanimously supported the further development of cooperation by sharing best practices between the EU and the Western Balkan region in the field of counter-terrorism, considering violent extremism, radicalisation and recruitment as priorities;

RECOGNIZING a set of recommendations jointly identified at the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) workshop for government and civil society experts from the Western Balkan region organised in October 2014 in Ljubljana by the EEAS, the Commission, and the US;

NOTING the support expressed in November 2014 by the Salzburg Forum Ministers to the WBCT initiative, their agreement to take an active part in its implementation as well as their invitation to the relevant EU institutions for their involvement in order to contribute to the success of this initiative;

RECOGNIZING the support of the Committee of Ministers of the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe given to the WBCT Initiative at their meeting in Slovenia in November 2014;

RECALLING the support of the Ministers, the Commission and EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator expressed to the WBCT Initiative at the Ministerial Conference with the WB states: “Tackling Jihadism”, held in March 2015 in Vienna, and STRESSING the desirability to develop the initiative further;

RECOGNIZING the support by the Ministers of the Interior and of Justice of the Brdo Process and South-East Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) expressed to the WBCT Initiative and priorities presented at a joint meeting in April 2015 in Budva, Montenegro;

5 13469/1/14 REV 1.

AGREES TO

• 1. 

  Implement the EU Western Balkan Counter-Terrorism Initiative Integrative Plan of Action

  (WBCTi iPA) 2015–2017[ 6 ].

• 2. 

  Develop a matrix of planned and on-going activities countering terrorism and violent extremism in the Western Balkans in line with WBCTi iPA 2015–2017, to make it accessible to the Member States, EU institutions and agencies, and to update it regularly, at least twice per year.

• 3. 

  Review the implementation of the WBCTi iPA 2015–2017 and develop on the basis of the results, gaps and needs a follow-up Integrative Plan of Action 2018-2020.

• 4. 

  Promote the role of EU agencies and bodies in the Western Balkans.

INVITES COSI TO

• 1. 

  Together with TWP, to monitor the implementation of WBCTi iPA 2015–2017 before the end of 2016, endorse the review thereof and to inform the Council on the implementation results.

• 2. 

  Submit, on the basis of the draft WBCTi iPA 2018–2020 developed by the Terrorism

  Working Party, draft conclusions to the Council to define the priorities.

• 3. 

  Endorse the review of WBCTi iPA2018–2020 implementation and to inform the Council on WBCTi iPA 2018–2020 implementation results.

6 [See 13887/15.]

CALLS UPON THE MEMBER STATES TO

• 1. 

  Actively support the implementation of the Integrative Plan of Action.

• 2. 

  Consult the matrix of activities countering terrorism and violent extremism in the Western

  Balkans to be drawn up as an activity in the WBCTi iPA 2015–2017, before planning any new bilateral or multilateral activity with (a) Western Balkan country(-ies) in this field of policy in order to avoid duplication and overlapping.

• 3. 

  Provide information on relevant bilateral or multilateral planned or on-going activities with (a) Western Balkan country(-ies) to update the matrix of activities.

CALLS UPON THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND EUROPEAN EXTERNAL ACTION

SERVICE TO

• 1. 

  Support the implementation of the Integrative Plan of Action.

• 2. 

  Participate in the planned evaluation to be carried out at the end of 2017 in order to enable a thoroughly prepared revised iPA for the period 2018–2020.

• 3. 

  Consult the matrix of activities countering terrorism and violent extremism in the Western

  Balkans when planning new activity in this field of policy in the Western Balkans in order to avoid duplication and overlapping.

• 4. 

  Provide relevant information to update the matrix of activities as well as information on funding available for actions foreseen in the Integrative Plan of Action.

• 5. 

  Inform relevant international partners about the Integrative Plan of Action and its implementation status when appropriate.

CALLS UPON THE EU AGENCIES AND BODIESTO

• 1. 

  Support the implementation of the Integrative Plan of Action.

• 2. 

  Consult the matrix of counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism activities in the

  Western Balkans when planning new activity in this field of policy in the Western Balkans in

  order to avoid duplication and overlapping.

• 3. 

  Provide relevant information to update the matrix of activities as well as information on funding available for action foreseen with the Integrative Plan of Action.

• 4. 

  Inform relevant international partners about the Integrative Plan of Action and its implementation status when appropriate.

ANNEX to the ANNEX

DRAFT EU WESTERN BALKAN COUNTER-TERRORISM INITIATIVE INTEGRATIVE PLAN OF ACTION

(WBCTI IPA) 2015–2017

• I. 

  INTRODUCTION

The EU Initiative on the Integrative and Complementary Approach to Counter-Terrorism and

Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans (WBCTi) is aimed to eliminate further duplications and overlapping in countering terrorism and violent extremism activities in the Western Balkan region through a new cost-effective concept, which builds upon the needs and priorities identified together

with the Western Balkan countries 7 and strategic partners active in the region, and uses a combined

bottom-up and top-down approach – while also taking into account on-going and planned activities as well as available funding.

The Integrative Plan of Action (iPA) is a non-binding document, which invites Lead Partners and

Partners defined in the document to implement agreed activities. It also recommends to EU Member States, EU institutions and agencies, as well as to strategic partners active in the region to consider it before entering into the planning or funding a new counter-terrorism activity in the Western Balkans, i.e. being fully aware of the needs and priorities identified together with the region, and to consider it for the purpose of preventing duplication and overlapping. In this respect, a Matrix of on-going and planned counter-terrorism activities in the region accessible on-line is expected to become another useful tool, also resulting from the iPA, which will exclude further any possibility for duplication and overlapping.

7 This designation is without prejudice to the position on status, and is in line with UNSCR

1244/99 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. The use of the term "countries" in this plan of action does not imply recognition of statehood. The use of the term "countries" in these conclusions does not imply recognition of statehood.

• 1. 

  SCOPE, PROCESS, TIMETABLE, MONITORING, OUTPUTS AND EVALUATION

As concerns the regional scope, the Integrative Plan of Action (iPA) covers all the countries of the Western Balkans. The participation of Turkey in the activities foreseen in the period 2015-2017 can also be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, a high number of specific activities already planned in Turkey, as well as its challenging position as a neighbour to Syria have to be taken into account.

The participation of Kosovo 8 in the iPA activities can be considered on a case-by-case basis and in

particular in relation to operational cooperation or addressing the root causes of the problem.

Relevant rules of regional initiatives and organisations have to be respected.

From the policy point of view, the iPA takes into account activities, which address jointly identified needs in the area of countering terrorism as well as countering violent extremism, including the earliest stages of prevention and promoting partnership between public and private sector and close cooperation with the civil society.

The Informal Working Group on WBCTi invites the TWP to endorse the draft WBCTi iPA and proposes to the Presidency to put forward draft Council Conclusions on WBCTi, to which the iPA will be attached.

iPA implementation process would start in 2015 and conclude by until the end of 2017. In the second half of 2017, an evaluation would carried out in order to enable a thoroughly prepared revised iPA for the period 2018–2020.

Once the draft Council Conclusions with the attached iPA 2015–2017are endorsed by the TWP, they are to be presented to the Standing Committee on Internal Security (COSI), while the Political and Security Committee (PSC) should be informed accordingly.

The Matrix of WBCTi activities is planned to be one of the deliverables of the iPA implementation.

8 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with

UNSCR1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence .

The Council Conclusions on WBCTi would offer the necessary political support for the implementation of the iPA and the engagement of identified Lead Partners (LP) and Partners (P). This would also contribute to the continuity of the process and foresee an evaluation before the end of 2017, which could be followed by a needs assessment to guide the process during the period 2018–2020. A deadline for reporting on the monitoring the iPA implementation is also to be defined in the Council Conclusions, preferably for the end of 2016, while the Informal Working Group on WBCTi could be tasked to conduct the monitoring.

• 2. 

  THREAT ASSESSMENTS, IDENTIFICATIONS OF NEEDS AND GAPS

The EU Western Balkan Counter-Terrorism Initiative (WBCTi) was presented at the relevant counter-terrorism working parties of the Council of the EU in 2014. The subsequent presentations of threat assessments by EU Member States, the Western Balkan countries and the EU Intelligence Analysis Centre (EU INTCEN) have shown that besides the existing high number of Foreign Terrorist Fighters from Europe (including the Western Balkan region), the threat posed by the growing violent extremism in the Western Balkans and by existing very closed radical communities inspired by charismatic extremists in the Western Balkans spreading the idea of violent extremism in the EU, present a serious threat to not only to the security of the Western Balkan region but also to the internal security of the EU. This requires a coordinated approach of all stakeholders active in the region towards targeted priorities, employing a cost-effective and efficient use of resources.

The approach proposed by WBCTi is based on the integration of existing initiatives led by EU stakeholders and international strategic partners in the region and on complementarity, while also taking into account the existing timeframes for granting financial support to these activities where available.

EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Slovenia), with the support of the European Commission (EC), European External Action Service (EEAS), Europol, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator and the Presidency to the Council of the EU, joined efforts in 2014 to develop the Slovenian-proposed initiative further into the EU Western Balkan Counter-Terrorism Initiative (WBCTi) with a corresponding Integrative Plan of Action (iPA). The latter is composed of a list of needs and priorities translated into actions, together with an attached matrix of on-going and planned activities and funding available with deadlines for application. EU Member States invited the Western Balkan countries, international strategic partners and representatives of the civil society to provide additional input to the list of needs and priorities via bilateral cooperation and through existing regional initiatives and other events.

Five meetings of the informal Working Group on WBCTi were held to develop a methodology and the draft iPA, which were then presented to the TWP on 14 July 2015. General support was expressed by delegations and the Presidency was invited to submit draft Council Conclusions on WBCTi, which should highlight the agreed priorities and define the process further with foreseen milestones and outputs.

As agreed, the Presidency will be invited to present the iPA to the EU-Western Balkans JHA ministerial Forum after its final adoption. In addition, EU Members States will present it to all relevant strategic partners and regional initiatives such as the Brdo Process, Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe (PCC SEE) Committee of Ministers, the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and Regional Cooperation Council Sarajevo (RCC), who have also contributed to the list of needs and priorities in the iPA.

Among other things, the Western Balkan countries and international strategic partners have especially underlined the need to set up a network of counter-terrorism focal points, to enable their regular meetings, exchange of good practices and case analyses. They saw considerable added value in setting up a website, providing the availability of good EU practices in Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) projects and as well as international and EU legislation. These would be available in regional languages to reach all relevant practitioners in the region. They identified the need to prepare the basis for setting up national or regional RAN platforms, and to receive assistance in analysing the use of different multilateral conventions, which, with a clear interpretation and presentation of results, could facilitate the exchange of operational information – a priority in the region. The Ministers of the Interior and of Justice in the format of the Brdo Processa nd the SEECP at their joint meeting in Budva, Montenegro, recognized that the internet and social networks were being increasingly used as a tool to spread extremist ideas and recruit young people, especially minors, and agreed to develop further possibilities to detect and remove illegal internet content – with full respect of fundamental rights, fundamental freedoms, and in full accordance with national legislation. They also agreed to encourage experts to intensify the exchange of relevant information and best practices in this field. The Ministers further agreed to make efforts to designate or establish national capacities for Internet Referral Units (IRU) in order to create effective counter-narratives, and to consider how to enhance their cooperation via respective IRUs as also suggested by the Vienna Declaration of 20 March 2015. The Ministers addressed the issue of illegal trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives and identified a number of risks, such as the re-activation of insufficiently de-activated firearms, recasting of signal and gas pistols to firearms. This very issue was initially addressed by the iPA, but was later excluded after a thorough consideration for the sake of clarity and in order to prevent potential overlapping with the Action Plan on Illicit

Trafficking in Firearms between the EU and the South East Europe Region (2015-2019).

• 3. 

  FUNDING

The European Commission published in November 2014 the Internal Security Fund Open Call

“Preventing radicalisation to terrorism and violent extremism in Western Balkans”, where the

Slovenian project proposal “First Line” was granted funding having successfully passed the evaluation. This project will support the implementation of iPA in its initial phase of implementation. “First Line” is mainly focused on the establishment of conditions for the future setting up of national Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) platforms in the Western Balkan countries and the further development of the “"Counter-Terrorism Initiative (CTi)" Network established in 2011 at the level of police CT experts/heads of responsible police units, which is aimed to enable regular operational information exchange via the introduction of Europol Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA), via case analyses, exchange of "modi operandi" and operational best practices.

Strategic partners active in the region and regional organisations are invited to fund those proposed activities in the iPA, which had been jointly agreed with the countries of Western Balkan region. Interest to take a lead in the activities has not been stated as of yet. As opposed to the current situation, there is a great advantage for the donor community in the region to have a jointly agreed list of priorities, allowing it to invest efficiently, if they wish to do so.

There are some activities listed in the iPA where Lead Partners (LP) and Partners (P) have been clearly identified together with available funding, while with some other activities potential Partners are still considering to take the lead. With some activities identified as priorities, no interest to take the lead has been expressed so far.

The iPA clearly indicates those priorities where funding is available (marked as “A”). On the other hand, “P” marks those areas where given potential funding sources are to be considered.

II. BACKGROUND

During the Hellenic Presidency, the situation in the Western Balkans and its implications for the terrorist threat in the EU was one of the highest priorities. It was reiterated that the fight against organised crime, corruption, illegal immigration and terrorism are also the main priorities for the relationship with the EU neighbouring regions, and that developments in these fields are having an immediate and reciprocal impact on the security situation both in the EU as well as its neighbouring countries. A security partnership between the EU and the Western Balkan countries based on trust, common interests, and the values of freedom, democracy and justice therefore constitutes an important element in those relations.

At the meeting of the Terrorist Working Party (TWP) on 13 May 2014 and the joint TWP/COTER meeting, Austria, Slovenia, Greece, EU INTCEN and, upon invitation, Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented their respective observations. It was recognised that the terrorist threat originating from the Western Balkan region presents a threat for the security of the EU, which derives from:

– the rise of violent extremism in the Western Balkans;

– existence of very closed radical communities;

– recent terrorist attacks and arrests of several violent extremist leaders in the Western Balkans;

– role of charismatic extremists in the Western Balkans and their ability to galvanize acts of terrorism;

– the number of Foreign Terrorist Fighters from the Western Balkans, some of whom have acquired very visible and/or higher level positions in terrorist organisations;

– the chain of events and numerous casualties in Syria;

– returnees who, after being exposed for a longer period to a very extreme ideology, were trained and gained skills, which pose an even bigger threat both to the security of the Western Balkan region and to the security of the EU;

– returnees who, after their return, would work to recruit and/or facilitate more terrorist travel from the region.

Austria, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Slovenia emphasised the need to identify an overview of current projects and to continue developing balanced actions to identify gaps and needs in order to improve counter-terrorism capacities and capabilities of the Western Balkan countries.

At the Brdo Process Ministerial Conference in June 2014, the Ministers of the Interior of the

Western Balkans recognised the value of this initiative, and unanimously supported the further development of cooperation by sharing best practices between the EU and the Western Balkan region in the field of counter-terrorism, considering violent extremism, radicalisation and recruitment as priorities. The principles of international law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the acknowledgement of the efforts of international partners were strongly emphasized.

In 2014 the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator (CTC) and the European External Action Service (EEAS)led a mission to the Western Balkan region aimed to identify possible ways for counterterrorism capacity-building. Following up to this mission, a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) workshop for government and civil society experts from the Western Balkan region was organised in October 2014 in Ljubljana by the EEAS, European Commission, and the U.S. as an active strategic partner in the region. A number of jointly identified needs and priorities were developed into a set of recommendations, which are mirrored in the iPA.

As a follow-up to the efforts made by the Hellenic Presidency, the Italian Presidency drew up a proposal for supporting to further the development of cooperation in this area, by making the “Sharing of Best Practices in the Field of Counter-Terrorism between the EU and the Western Balkan Region” one of the priorities. Meanwhile, interested Member States (Austria, Czech

Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia) explored possible options to develop well balanced grounds for a future project. On the basis of their contributions, Slovenia presented to the TWP on 9 September its follow-up note regarding the continuation of the initiative.

Following a discussion, the Presidency invited interested MS to set up an informal working group of TWP experts to develop the WBCTi further and to make proposals, assess their relevance, and to consider whether the proposals are in line with existing EU policies so as to avoid duplication and to ensure optimal results.

The EU has developed best practices and set up numerous legal and operational standards in this area. In view of the Western Balkan countries’ EU perspective, their further alignment with

European standards is to the benefit of the internal security of the EU as well as the security of the region. On the other hand, TWP recognised that there might be a difference in the perceptions of the EU and the partner region on what the latter needs and where its priorities lie. Currently, many initiatives are underway or being planned, not only on the EU side but also on part of other relevant international and regional actors. Not all delegations were aware of them. The need to carry out a mapping exercise to gain an overview of existing and planned EU and other actors’ activities in the WB region was identified.

After we will have agreed on the needs and concluded the mapping exercise, we can come to an agreement with the EC, EEAS, CTC and relevant EU agencies to result in a well-considered list of activities in the form of a Roadmap, involving with a clear timeframe, taking into account on-going activities, deadlines for applying for funding from available resources, while employing a step-bystep approach.

The Integrative and Complementary Approach to Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Western Balkans focuses on counter-terrorism and violent extremism that lead to terrorism in the Western Balkan region, and is aimed to achieve a maximum effect by reducing duplications and overlapping. Both phenomena present a serious threat to regional security as well as to the internal security of the EU.

III. METHODOLOGY APPLIED TO ACQUIRE, SELECT AND PRIORITIZE NEEDS

The needs addressed in the WBCTi iPA were acquired using the combination of bottom-up and topdown approaches.

• 1. 

  GROUPS OF NEEDS

The first group of needs and priorities was clearly indicated at ministerial level as described in the Introduction and Background chapter (Brdo Process, PCC SEE Committee of Ministers, SEECP Meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers, CVE Conference in Tirana). All resulting politicallevel priorities were taken into consideration during the development of the draft iPA.

The second group of needs and priorities were acquired directly from the experts present at relevant CT and CVE events, also from those under the auspices of third partners such as the U.S. (CVE Workshop in Ljubljana, October 2014) and other actors active in the region (e.g. RCC, PCC SEE, UNDP).

The third group of needs were acquired via bilateral cooperation of EU Member States with the countries of the Western Balkans (through Police Attaches and Liaison Officers).

Lastly, the fourth group of activities were contributed to directly by the TWP delegates (TWP

Meeting, November 2014) and TWP delegates involved in the Informal Working Group for WBCT. This group of needs and priorities provided the EU perspective of regional challenges.

• 2. 

  CRITERIA AGREED TO PRIORITIZE NEEDS TRANSLATED INTO OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

3 basic criteria were agreed by the members of the Informal WG for WBCT to be applied to prioritize needs translated into objectives and activities:

• a) 

  those which will offer a result in the short-term (network of CT PoCs, web platform,

matrix of ongoing and planned activities, Transfer of EU Good Practices on Counter

Terrorism, CTI Network)

• b) 

  those which are addressing the root causes of the problem or are of strategic importance,

and will thus have a significant positive impact in the longer term (RAN, prevention of

radicalisation prevention of terrorist financing, cooperation between prosecutors and

law enforcement, international and EU legal standards and recommendations, analytical

capacities)

• c) 

  those which are responding to the highest terrorist threats to the security of the EU such

as Foreign Terrorist Fighters (enhanced operational cooperation, case analysis,

information exchange, exchange of modi operandi, common risk indicators,

reintegration, rehabilitation)

The needs addressed with the activities of the iPA were selected in accordance with the above stated criteria, taking into account also the following 2 parameters:

• (1) 

  level of interest on part of EU Member States/actors active in the region to take the lead, and

• (2) 

  funding available to take action (in order to avoid lack of implementation).

Activities listed in Groups I and II are indicated according to the criterion of vulnerability (H-High, M-Medium, L-Low) and according to their expected impact and contribution in countering terrorism and violent extremism(H-High, M-Medium, L-Low).

1.6 To set up and maintain the Regional CT P: RCC, PCC, M 2016 – Albania, Bosnia and LP: [RCC & PCC SEE] and CVE web-based platform and to publish IPA II funding Herzegovina, former Yugoslav (Decided at the 1st Meeting of

translated content acquired in activity 1.5and could be 2017 Republic of Macedonia, the PCC SEE Network)[tbc]

other purposes: to exchange strategic considered Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, P: Slovenia, Austria,

information. Turkey. Bulgaria, Hungary,

Romania

1.7 First Line Project: Secure CTI web page European M 2016 – Albania, Bosnia and LP: Slovenia (part of the Regional CT and CVE Web based Commission: Herzegovina, former Yugoslav

platform, secured and hosted by the server of ISF Police 2017 Republic of Macedonia, P: Austria, Belgium, Slovenian Police). HOME/ Montenegro, Serbia. Observer: Czech republic, 2014/ISFP/ Europol, Interpol Croatia, Denmark Support to the work of CTI. AG/RADX

ANNEX to the ANNEX DGD 1C LIMITE EN

OBJECTIVE 2: To support development of national RAN capacities, prevention and strategic communication in the region with the

support of EU RAN expertise

H 2.1 Western Balkan CVE conference, public P: TAIEX or H 2015- Albania, Bosnia and LP: [EC?, EEAS?, US? sector and civil society representatives – Follow CSF/P2P 1017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav UNDP? OSCE?] [tbc]

up of CVE conference in Ljubljana, October funding could Republic of Macedonia,

2014, to raise awareness and to prepare grounds be considered Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, P: [RCC, UNDP, for structured and RAN oriented activities Turkey. Europol] [tbc]

foreseen in 2.3 and 2.4. Presentation of SSCAT, Europol CT Centre and EU IRU.

2.2 Strengthen the Prevention Capabilities P: TAIEX or M 2015 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, LP: Austria concerning Deradicalisation: Workshop with CSF/P2P (2nd Montenegro

the main stakeholders and EU MS and relevant funding could semeste P: Slovenia

institutions be considered r)

2016

2.3 »First Line« project: Identification of A: European M Dec Albania, BiH, former Yugoslav LP: Slovenia relevant WB national actors as future Commission: 2015– Republic of Macedonia,

counterparts in the national RAN platform ISF Police Nov Montenegro, Serbia and P: Austria, Belgium, (areas of work in line with EU RAN POL, RAN HOME/ 2017 Kosovo* Czech republic, HEALTH, RAN INT/EXT, PREVENT RAN 2014/ISFP/ Croatia, Denmark

ANNEX to the ANNEX DGD 1C LIMITE EN

and RAN P & P. Workshops to develop and AG/RADX discuss possible developments and transfer of EU approaches, lessons learned and practices formed at the EU level which could be implemented by TC in the local/specific context. This activity is supposed to be followed by the Train the Trainers activity 2.4 in each WB country.

2.4 RAN Train the Trainers WS at the national P: TAIEX or H 2016- Albania, Bosnia and [LP: RCC - under level (all WB countries) CSF/P2P 2017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav consideration] [tbc] funding could Republic of Macedonia,

be considered Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia. P:UNDP

[P: SI, EU RAN Centre of Excellence, EU MS – under consideration]

2.5 RAN Train the Trainers e-Learning P: IPA II and M 2016- Albania, Bosnia and [LP: PCC SEE – module the UNODC 2017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav seeking for funding] [tbc] Global Republic of Macedonia,

eLearning Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, [P: EU RAN Centre of Programme"M Turkey. Excellence, Cepol]

ANNEX to the ANNEX DGD 1C LIMITE EN

aking the world safer from drugs, crime and terrorism"to be considered.

OBJECTIVE 3: To identify better risks at borders, foreign terrorist fighters and gaps in exercising operational measures

H 3.1 PCC SEE: Development of the List of P: IPA II and H 2016- Albania, Bosnia and [LP: PCC SEE is

Common Risk Indicators, distribution and TAIEX could 2017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav seeking for funding] [tbc] training be considered Republic of Macedonia,

Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia. [P: CTI (Austria, Czech

Republic, Slovenia), Europol, Frontex– under consideration]

3.2 PCC SEE: Development of e-Learning P:IPA II and M 2016- Albania, Bosnia and [LP: PCC SEE is module – The use of Common Risk Indicators the UNODC 2017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav seeking for funding] [tbc] Global Republic of Macedonia,

eLearning Kosovo*, Moldova, [P:CTI (Austria, Czech

ANNEX to the ANNEX DGD 1C LIMITE EN

OBJECTIVE 4: To prevent financing of terrorism

H 4.1 Sharing of good practices on preventing A: European L 2016- Albania, Bosnia and LP: Slovenia financing of terrorism and asset recovery Commission: 2017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav

practices (point of the agenda of CTI, invitation ISF Police Republic of Macedonia, P: Austria, Czech of relevant experts). HOME/ Montenegro, Serbia. Republic (Observers: 2014/ISFP/ Interpol, Europol)

AG/RADX

4.2Strengthen cooperation between P: IPA II or H 2016- Albania, Bosnia and [LP: RCC– under Prosecutors and Law Enforcement in SEE on TAIEX could 2017 Herzegovina, former Yugoslav consideration] [tbc] prevention financing of terrorism and asset be considered Republic of Macedonia,

recovery (workshop, case analysis, Kosovo*, Moldova, [P: Europol, Eurojust, identification of gaps) Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey. EU MS, WB

Prosecutors Network – under consideration] [tbc]

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OBJECTIVE 8: To develop strategic communication and internet monitoring capacities

H 8.1 Develop strategic communication in the P:IPA II or LP:

WB region: TAIEX could

be considered P: RAN Centre of

Excellence, SSCAT [tbc]

M 8.2 The EU IRU assistance in developing P:TAIEX LP: [tbc] internet monitoring capacities of WB could be

(including potential invitation of WB experts to considered P: Europol [tbc]

the EU IRU to help identify terrorist material in regional languages.

Expertise/Best practice developed under the EU Internet Forum (EC) to be shared with WB partners.

ANNEX to the ANNEX DGD 1C LIMITE EN

HOW ACTIONS ARE SUPPOSED TO MEET OBJECTIVES AND ADDRESS THE NEEDS

V.1 OBJECTIVE 1: To enhance communication and exchange of information (operational/strategic) between relevant stakeholders in the region

The establishment of and bringing the PCC SEE Network of CT Points-of-Contactinto operation

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

The Network of CT Points-of-Contact has been identified as a strategic tool, which will address policy issues, such as also prevention; it will support the operational sphere and address concrete tasks related to the operational sphere in order to provide a policy environment conducive to efficient operational cooperation; and it will facilitate the implementation of CT and CVE international and EU standards and capacities in the SEE region (as follow-up to identified needs, gaps). National CT coordinators or equivalent functions, mandated to coordinate CT and CVE activities at the national level and authorised to make relevant policy decisions, are to be nominated as standing members. Contracting Parties will also nominate several ad hoc members at expert level, participating in the activities as required by the scope and primary focus (i.e. measures of prevention of violent extremism and radicalisation, financing of terrorism, legislative and regulatory frameworks on cross-border information exchange, interagency cooperation, coordinating training needs, illicit trafficking with firearms, etc.). The Network will complement the work of the CTI, where Heads of CT units in Law Enforcement, potentially supported by the relevant experts, conduct operational cooperation, exchange operational information, discuss operational issues, cases, modus operandi, run case analysis and other operational activities according to their agenda. Enlargement of the regional scope from the existing PCC SEE Network to the geographical scope closer to the SEECP (RCC) members (Croatia, Turkey and Kosovo*) is agreed by the PCC SEE Contracting parties as the next step due to the nature of the threats which are shared by all countries of the SEE region.

• KPIs:

– Establishment of the PCC SEE Network of CT Points-of-Contact

– Number of the network meetings per year

– Number of policyoutputs per year (e.g. no. of submitted proposals on regulatory

frameworks, no. of recommendations issued

– Number of CTI follow-up items addressed,

– Number of good practices exchanged)

• Potential follow-up:

– Potential use of the approach in other regions of the EU Neighbourhood.

The Counter-Terrorism Initiative (CTI) Network and enhancing operational cooperation between the Western Balkan countries, as well as between the Western Balkan countries and EU Member States and agencies

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

The CTI Network addresses the need to enhance the efficiency of operational police cooperation and mutual trust in matters referring to anti-terrorist activity between the following countries of the region: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia with supporting organisations: Europol, Interpol and RCC. WBCTi recognises a great potential of the CTI Network in counter-terrorism operational cooperation between competent authorities of the region, with EU Member states and agencies, in particular Europol, as well as a complementary component to the PCC SEE Network of CT Points-of-Contact. Whilst CTI Network follows the implementation of planned activities at operational level and identifies needs and gaps via operational cooperation. The PCC SEE Network addresses those identified needs and gaps in order to find solutions via PCC SEE decision making process with the support of the PCC SEE Secretariat. The approach foreseen is going to offer sustainability and follow-up in the process.

PCC SEE provided funding for the CTI Network first meeting under the WBCTi in June 2015, where the CTI members met after almost a year and a half. They agreed that the regular meetings are needed and essential to keep CT and CVE operational cooperation at appropriate level. In this regard CTI members also welcomed the Slovenian project “First Line” which offers, in the framework of the WBCTi, where the Commission provided funding for two meetings per year in the period 2016-2017.The need to develop a CTI Plan of actions for the period 2016 – 2017 was clearly indicated. CTI Plan of actions should contribute to the efficiency of CTI actions and provide it with a new impetus which will reflect in addressing of the new terrorism and violent extremism threats which developed significantly by the last meeting of CTI.

Rotating six month CTI Secretariat and involvement of present, incoming and ex-chairmanship in the organisation of meetings was identified as the approach which would considerably enhance the engagement of CTI members whilst a protected website for administrative purposes would also be beneficial.

A number of concluded operational agreements between the Western Balkan countries and Europol in the recent past affected the nature of operational cooperation considerably. CTI should play a pivotal role as a promoter of operational cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkan region and Europol. Organisation of a meeting in the region where Europol would present to ”newcomers” of operational cooperation in the region all options available of operational cooperation, would be of mutual benefit.

The future agenda of CTI meetings might consist of two parts, a permanent and a flexible part, where items such as operational information exchange (including on foreign terrorist fighters, actual trends and modus operandi) and in-depth case analysis should always be considered when drafting agenda for the next CTI meeting. The draft agenda should be annotated in order to leave CTI member enough time to form a national position before the CTI meeting.

The need to complement the existing platform for information exchange (I-24/7) with even more secured platform, based on a robust data protection standards - the Europol's Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA), is considered by the CTI members, however, the role of Interpol will not be diminished.

The members of CTI Network could discuss common risk indicators for the region to better understand and identify unknown foreign terrorist fighters traveling through the region, and contribute to the activity 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. The future discussion will enable a possibility to identify and exchange different views and experience of respective Western Balkan countries and contribute to the list of common risk indicators developed by the EU.

As concerns the fight against Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the region or travelling through the region, the CTI members are decided to contribute to the Working group DUMAS, directly or via bridging EU Member State. They will also identify gaps in intelligence picture of the region and obstacles which might hinder providing of information to Europol and potential solutions.

The CTI members also agreed to include the prevention of terrorism financing including asset recovery in the future CTI agenda and contribute to the WBCTi.

• KPIs:

– CTI Network Action Plan developed

– Number of CTI meetings per year

– Contribution to the list of common risk indicators

– Number of case analysis per year

– Contribution to the WG DUMAS

– Enhanced cooperation with Europol (participation in relevant CT Focal Points, contribution to Europol information system)

– The use of SIENA for relevant information exchange between CTI Network members

– Number of CTI items sent to the PCC SEE CT Network to be followed-up

– Prevention of terrorism financing addressed

• Potential follow-up:

– Regular meetings continued after 2017 Regional CT and CVE Web-based platform

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

To provide one virtual place to find CT and CVE related relevant information, translated into the languages of the region. The initial content of the web platform, open to relevant practitioners, will consist of: EU RAN expertise, collection of approaches, best practices and lessons learned, international and EU recommendations and relevant legislation, firearms glossary, the contact details of the PCC SEE CT Network, legislative frameworks of respective WB countries.

The first activity aims to provide the initial content, translated into the languages of the region, such as: EU RAN expertise, collection of approaches, best practices and lessons learned, International and EU recommendations and relevant legislation, points of contact for various formats of platform, national legislation of respective WB countries, etc. The next activity is to ensure grounds to maintain open the web-based platform, to publish translated content acquired in activity No. 1.5 and for other purposes, such as to exchange strategic type of information. The secure CTI web page, based at the server of the Slovenian Police, is planned to be published at the central CT and CVE Web-based platform in the region, together with all other CT and CVE relevant links. The CTI closed part of the web page is planned to support the work of the CTI Network.

• KPIs:

– Setting-up of an open and closed part of the Regional CT and CVE web-based platform

– To make the CT and CVE web-based platform, including the closed CTI part, operational

– To provide initial content, acquired and translated

– Initial content, published online

– CT and CVE web platform maintenance arranged

• Potential follow-up:

– Regular update of the Regional CT and CVE Web-based platform V.2 OBJECTIVE-2: To support development of national RAN capacities, prevention and strategic communication in the region with the support of EU RAN expertise

Support in setting up grounds for National RAN capacities in respective WB countries with the help of EU RAN expertize

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

To counter violent extremism and to prevent Radicalisation is one of the key priorities in the fight against terrorism. Awareness and existing capacities in the WB are limited and would require a number of persistent and orchestrated activities on both sides, public sector and in civil society and more importantly, to develop cooperation between the two. The development awareness and expertise as a prerequisite for establishment of national RAN alike platforms of cooperation is foreseen in the following steps:

(a) Western Balkan CVE conference is planned to be organised in the period 2016-2017 where public sector and civil society representatives will meet to raise awareness and to prepare grounds for RAN related activities foreseen(2.3, 2.4). Presentation of SSCAT and EU IRU unit experience might be considered. A workshop organised by Austria on Strengthening the Prevention Capabilities concerning de-Radicalisation for which Austria has already drafted a concept is yet another contribution to enhance prevention of Radicalisation in the region.

(b) Through the »First Line« project the relevant WB national actors as future counterparts in the national RAN platform (areas of work in line with EU RAN POL, RAN HEALTH, RAN INT/EXT, PREVENT RAN and RAN P & P) will be identified in each country of the WB region. Workshops will be organised to discuss possible developments and transfer of EU approaches, lessons learned and practices formed at the EU level which could be implemented by TC in the local/specific context. This activity is supposed to be a preparation of the Train the Trainers activity 2.4 in each WB country.

(c) The next level will be focused to the RAN Train the Trainers WS at the national level. It should result into approximately 20 trained RAN trainers who will represent a basis for the development of national program of cooperation between different RAN national actors. Slovenia will offer assistance with 22 trained RAN trainers (cooperation of SI trainers with other EU RAN or EU MS trainers can lower the translation costs, activities could be ran in English, SI instructors can offer support with interpretation if needed), other MS are invited to cooperate, co-operation with EU RAN Centre of excellence is of vital importance. (d) The last RAN related step in the two years period of this iPA WBCTi is RAN Train the Trainers e-Learning module (activity 2.5). The module will help trainers to multiply knowledge and help trainers to keep the standards, objectives and common interpretation. Translated expertise in the First Line project will be of significant importance. Cepol and the EU RAN Centre of excellence could be invited to cooperate.

• KPIs:

– Number of persons RAN trainees from public sector/from civil society

– Number of platforms of cooperation at the national level

– Number of developed national programs for cooperation within established RAN

platform

– Established web site to exchange RAN related information and published translated EU RAN expertise

– Established RAN Train the Trainers e-Learning module

• Potential follow-up:

– Advanced trainings for specific RAN platform at the regional level V.3 OBJECTIVE-3: To identify better risks at borders, foreign terrorist fighters and gaps in exercising operational measures

The list of Common Risk Indicators

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

This activity will lead to a development of a list of common risk indicators, its distribution and

training. At the 1 st PCC SEE CT Network Meeting (June 2015), Contracting Parties agreed to

address common risk indicators as a tool for all Contracting Parties – EU and to non-EU. The distribution of the list and its implementation in the non-EU Contracting Parties, follow-up and monitoring at national level, would be planned by the Network and implemented via the border security programme in the Western Balkans, acting in complementarity with the PCC SEE, where coordination with Frontex will also be sought. The operational feedback to the list of common risk indicators will be provided in cooperation with the CTI, based on the operational experience of its member countries. The cooperation between the PCC SEE Secretariat and Cepol in the development of an e-Learning module on the use of Common Risk Indicators has been proposed, and would aim to be hosted on the Cepol e-net platform.

• KPIs:

– Development of the List of Common Risk Indicators

– Distribution of the list

– Trainings provided

– Common Risk Indicators e-Learning module developed and operational

• Potential follow-up:

– Periodical update of the list

– Contribution to the EU list of common risk indicators Enhance information sharing on Foreign Terrorist Fighters

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

At the CTI meeting the Heads of CT Units are going to exchange information on Foreign Terrorist Fighters from the region and promote cooperation with Europol. Cooperation with WG DUMAS is planned to be developed directly or on the basis of EU MS “bridge” respecting the mandate given to the WG DUMAS.

• KPIs:

– Number of CTI meetings with this agenda item

– Number of contributions provided to Europol

– Number of countries involved in providing of information

• Potential follow-up:

– Joint WG DUMAS / CTI Meeting

V.4 OBJECTIVE-4: To prevent the financing of terrorism

Preventing the Financing of Terrorism

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

Sharing of good practices on preventing financing of terrorism and asset recovery is foreseen as a point on the draft agenda of CTI, invitation of relevant experts will be considered. In the framework of strengthening the cooperation between Prosecutors and Law Enforcement in SEE region RCC is going to organise an event with the subject prevention financing of terrorism and asset recovery, where cases are to be analysed in order to identify gaps which hinder cooperation as well as reduce the efficiency of actions against financing of terrorism. EU standards can be presented in introduction.

KPIs:

– Presentation of EU standards

– Number of meetings executed

– Case analysis made

– Number of participants from the region attended meetings (law enforcement/prosecutors)

– Identified gaps

• Potential follow-up:

– Advanced training on the basis of identified gaps and needs

V.5 OBJECTIVE-5: To enhance analytical capacities and efficiency of operational measures

Enhance analytical capacities and efficiency of operational measures

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

The CTI Network is regularly going to put Case Analysis on its agenda in order to identify gaps in exercising of operational measures. Identified gaps and need are going to be followed up by the PCC SEE CT Network when relevant.

• KPIs:

– Number of Case Analysis on the CTI agenda

– Number of identified gaps and needs in exercising of operational measures

– Number of recommendations as meeting conclusions

– Number of requests sent to the PCC SEE CT Network to follow-up

• Potential follow-up:

– To develop the idea of regional fusion and regional analytical centre further V.6 OBJECTIVE-6: To identify reach better understanding of the state of play, gaps and needs and in order to increase the efficiency of actions, to adjust planning and to prevent overlapping and duplication

Follow-up to the outcome of »Transfer of EU good practices in CT« project from 2010, review of implementation and transfer of additional recommendations

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

Through the First Line Project the questionnaires will be developed for each WB country in order to review implementation of transferred good practices in 2010 and to get an overview of national alignment with EU CT strategies, including terrorist recruitment, prevention strategies, and EU/international legislation. This exercise will be used also to see where the WB countries are with the cooperation with civil society in relation to RAN in order to plan RAN activities better and in accordance with the national specificities.

On the basis of replies to the questionnaires received, there will be visits executed to all countries of WB in order to get a comprehensive overview via interviews on the spot. New set of recommendations will be prepared and disseminated.

• KPIs:

– Number of questionnaires developed

– Number of interviews conducted

– Number of new recommendations drafted

– Number of recommendations implemented

• Potential follow-up:

– Review of implementation process Create matrix of activities in countering terrorism, violent extremism and Radicalisation

• How this activity is supposed to meet the objective:

Informal WG on WBCT will develop Terms of Reference for Matrix with concept, ownership, methodology and follow-up. RCC is the best placed according to their mandate for regional cooperation in SEE to develop matrix of CT and CVE activities in the SEE region and to follow and update planned and on-going activities. The UNDP could contribute as well.

• KPIs:

– ToR for matrix developed

– Matrix and its publication

– Update of Matrix

• Potential follow-up:

• Published also at CIRCA site

GROUP OF IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES – II

An invitation given to the strategic partners of the SEE Region to address the needs, provide funding for activities or to take the lead

V.7 OBJECTIVE-7: To Raise awareness and Best Practice exchange on Reintegration and Rehabilitation

Reintegration of returnees: Best practice exchange on reintegration

Best practice could be exchanged on reintegration between EU or other strategic partner to the region and WB countries.

Rehabilitation: Best practice exchange on rehabilitation

Best practice could be exchanged on rehabilitation between EU or other strategic partner to the region and WB countries.

V.8 OBJECTIVE-8: To develop strategic communication and internet monitoring capacities

Develop strategic communication in the WB region

EU IRU Potential assistance in developing internet monitoring capacities in the WB region

The EU IRU could offer its assistance in developing internet monitoring capacities in the WB region including potential invitation of WB experts to the EU IRU to help identify terrorist material in regional languages. Expertise/Best practice developed under the EU Internet Forum (EC) could also be shared with the WB partners.

Different Regional Scopes of Initiatives

Chart-1: Members of involved regional initiatives SEECP (RCC), PCC SEE and CTI

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Romania Serbia Turkey Croatia Moldova Montenegro Slovenia Kosovo*

SEECP

CTI PCC

Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,

Croatia, Czech Republic, former Yugoslav former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary,

Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia

Chart-2: Geographical scopes – Members of SEE Regional Initiatives& EU Member States

PCC SEE Kosovo* SEECP (RCC)

EUROPEAN UNION

Austria Slovenia Hungary Romania

Bulgaria Hellenic

Croatia Republic

DCAF BS PROGRAM

Albania Turkey

Bosnia and Herzegovina FormerYugoslavRepublic of Macedonia Montenegro Serbia

Moldova SEPCA SELEC

ANNEX to the ANNEX DGD 1C LIMITE EN

VIII. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PCC SEE – Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe (PCC SEE). On 5 May 2006 in Vienna, during the Austrian presidency of the EU, the Ministers of Interior from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia, signed the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe. After ratification by all seven signatory states, the Convention entered into force on 10 October 2007. In addition, Bulgaria acceded to the Convention on 25 September 2008, Austria on 24 May 2011, Hungary on 6 July 2012 and Slovenia on 14 December 2012. The Convention envisages modern forms of cooperation among the Contracting Parties, such as joint threat analysis, liaison officers, hot pursuit, witness protection, cross-border surveillance, controlled delivery, undercover investigations to investigate crimes and to prevent criminal offences, transmission and comparison of DNA profiles and other identification material, technical measures for facilitating trans-border cooperation, border search operations, mixed analysis working groups, joint investigation teams, mixed patrols along the state border and cooperation in common centres.

RCC- The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a regional cooperative framework for countries in South East Europe, with the goal of "promoting mutual cooperation and European and Euro Atlantic integration of South East Europe in order to inspire development in the region to the benefit of its people". The RCC was officially launched at the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia, on 27 February 2008, as the successor of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. It provides operational capacities to and works under the political guidance of SEECP and functions as a focal point for cooperation in South East Europe through a regionally owned and led framework. It also acts as a forum for the continued involvement of the international community engaged in the region.

SEECP – The South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) is a regional noninstitutionalised process co-ordinated by the presiding country. The SEECP presidency lasts for one year and is rotated among the members. The presiding country presents the Process at international meetings and hosts the annual meeting of heads of state and government, foreign ministers meeting and a number of annual meetings of political directors. Depending on the situation, the presiding country may call extraordinary meetings. Members: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia (joined as Serbia and Montenegro), Turkey, Croatia (2005), Moldova (2006), Montenegro (2007), Slovenia (2010), Kosovo* (2014). Kosovo is also participating in the SEECP activities and meetings in accordance with the provisions of SEECP Bucharest Summit Declaration of June 2014. The geographical scope represented by the non-EU MS of the SEECP is wider than of the PCC SEE (Kosovo* and Turkey), however it does not include Austria whilst PCC SEE does not include Croatia as a member.

CTI – The Initiative for International Police Cooperation in the Field of Anti-Terrorist Activity was established with legally non-binding declaration which reflected the Conclusions of the 10th Regional Ministerial Conference on Illegal Migrations, Organised Crime, Corruption and Terrorism, held at Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, on 19-20 October 2010. CTI addresses the need to enhance the efficiency of operational police cooperation and mutual trust in matters referring to anti-terrorist activity between the following countries of the region: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia. The supporting organisations are: Europol, Interpol and RCC.

RAN - In order to help the first-line local practitioners and to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices between them, the European Commission set up the EU-wide Radicalisation Awareness Network RAN platform which connects the first-line practitioners, field experts, social workers, teachers, NGO’s, civil society organisations, victims' groups, local authorities, law enforcement, academics and others. There are eight RAN Working Groups, each with its own topic:

– RAN POL: the possible role of local and community police in preventing radicalisation leading to violent extremism and/or to terrorism.

– RAN VVT: the use of Voices of Victims of Terrorism in fighting radicalisation leading to violent extremism and/or to terrorism.

– RAN @: Internet as a counter-messaging vector.

– RAN PREVENT: early interventions with individuals and groups most vulnerable to

radicalisation leading to violent extremism and/or to terrorism.

– RAN DERAD: getting out of radicalisation leading to violent extremism and/or to

terrorism.

– RAN P&P: the possible role of prison administration and other actors working in

prisons and during probation in the fight against radicalisation leading to violent

extremism and/or to terrorism.

– RAN HEALTH: awareness raising in the health sector.

– RAN INT/EXT: from radicalisation to foreign fighters / the role that can the diaspora play in the fight against radicalisation.

COSI - Standing Committee on Internal Security (the Council of the EU)

PSC - Political and Security Committee (the Council of the EU)

TWP - Working Party on Terrorism (the Council of the EU). The working group evaluates methods of the EU’s strategy for combating terrorism on the basis of reviews of the counter-terrorism coordinator for the major developments in the field.

COTER - the Council Working Group on Terrorism (International Aspects)is the main forum for information exchange and EU coordination on the international aspects of the fight against terrorism. COTER aims to provide analysis of national counter-terrorism efforts, as well as to coordinate international assistance with and development and improvement of these efforts. The Working Group is committed to working with the United Nations and to reinforcing UN counterterrorism methods among the EU’s member countries.

EU INTCEN - The EU Intelligence Analysis Centre is the exclusive civilian intelligence function of the European Union, providing in-depth analysis for EU decision makers. Its analytical products are based on intelligence from the EU Member States' intelligence and security services. EU INTCEN's mission is to provide intelligence analyses, early warning and situational awareness to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini and to the European External Action Service (EEAS).

WG DUMAS - According to the EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator, in October 2014 a group called “Dumas” was set up on the issue of “foreign terrorist fighters”, which is headed by Italy and supported by Europol. Its main focus is “travellers alert lists (co-driver Austria), outreach measures (co-driver Hungary and Spain), best practice (co-driver France, UK), indicators (co-driver Germany, Luxembourg) and facilitators (co-driver Spain, UK)".

SSCAT - EU Syria Strategic Communications Advisory Team network (chaired by Belgium) was established in 2015 in order to help national governments to develop support messages countering terrorism.

EU IRU- the EU Internet Referral Unit was set in 2015 to combat terrorist propaganda and related violent extremist activities on the internet. On 12 March 2015, the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union mandated Europol to establish a dedicated unit aimed at reducing the level and impact of terrorist and violent extremist propaganda on the internet. The European Union Internet Referral Unit at Europol will identify and refer relevant online content towards concerned internet service providers and support Member States with operational and strategic analysis.

SIENA- Europol Secure Information Exchange Network Application

IPA- The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance is the means by which the EU supports reforms in the 'enlargement countries' with financial and technical help. The IPA funds build up the capacities of the countries throughout the accession process, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the region. For the period 2007-2013 IPA had a budget of some € 11.5 billion; its successor, IPA II, will build on the results already achieved by dedicating € 11.7 billion for the period 2014-2020.

Current beneficiaries are: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey. Purpose: EU pre-accession funds are a sound investment into the future of both the enlargement countries and the EU itself. They help the beneficiaries make political and economic reforms, preparing them for the rights and obligations that come with EU membership. Those reforms should provide their citizens with better opportunities and allow for development of standards equal to the ones we enjoy as citizens of the EU.

TAIEX- The Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument - managed by the

Directorate-General Neighbourhood and Enlargement negotiations of the European Commission.

TAIEX supports public administrations with regard to the approximation, application and enforcement of EU legislation as well as facilitating the sharing of EU best practices. It is largely needs driven and delivers appropriate tailor-made expertise to address issues at short notice.

TAIEX’ main tasks are: (a) To provide short term technical assistance and advice on the transposition of EU legislation into the national legislation of candidate countries and potential candidates to EU membership and the subsequent transposition, implementation and enforcement of such legislation; (b) To bring ENI partner countries closer to the European Union, through increased economic integration and a deepening of political cooperation by sharing the experience gained during the enlargement process; (c) To support the convergence of legislation and administrative cooperation with partner countries covered by the Partnership Instrument; (d) To provide technical training and peer assistance to partners and stakeholders in public administrations; (e) To be an information broker by gathering and making available information; (f) TAIEX activities are implemented in different forms and across a wide range of areas. Partner administrations can benefit from TAIEX’s flexibility to help meet wider training needs in EU legislation by reaching a significant number of officials through the organisation of workshops; (g) Study visits are organised for a limited number of officials of the beneficiary administrations to Member State administrations. They give an opportunity to the partners to work alongside Member State officials, to discuss legislation, experience first-hand administrative procedures and infrastructure and see examples of best practices.

When more precise needs must be targeted, expert missions provide an opportunity to discuss draft legislation, present examples of best practices and lend assistance where requested. They involve usually one or two Member State experts travelling to partner administrations.

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/taiex/what-is-taiex/index_en.htm

CSF/P2P - Civil Society Facility - People 2 People Programme - In line with the Communication of the European Commission "Western Balkans: enhancing the European perspective" of 5 March 2008, the Directorate General for Enlargement of the EC launched a new strategy towards civil society - the "Civil Society Facility" (CSF). This initiative foresees support both at national and multi-beneficiary levels and consists ofthree strands, which together aim to strengthen civil society's role in the democratic process: • Technical Assistance (TACSO) to civic and capacity-building initiatives to enforce the role of civil society; • a People 2 People Programme (P2P) supporting visits to EU institutions and bodies to exchange experience, know-how and good practices between beneficiaries, EU and Member States civil society organisations (CSOs) and • Partnership Actions carried out between beneficiary and EU CSOs, leading to a transfer of know-how and the realisation of innovative trans-national projects.

The aims of the People 2 People Programme (P2P) : • to help the beneficiary CSOs to familiarise themselves with the EU institutions and the decision-making process, as well as with key EU policies, legislation and programmes; • to offer the opportunity to CSOs to interact and network with their national, regional and European-level counterparts and to create new partnerships and • to stimulate civic participation in the beneficiary countries and in the region. Programme covers the following candidate countries and potential candidates to EU accession: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey.

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/taiex/pdf/p2p/p2p-leaflet_en.pdf