The EU signs a protocol amending the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and strengthens global efforts to combat terrorism

On 26 May, the European Union signed the Protocol amending the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, marking a historic step towards a common pan-European definition of terrorist offences.   

The Protocol amends the definition of  ‘terrorist offences’ in the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. It introduces a pan-European legal definition of terrorist offences, which defines what constitutes terrorism amongst the member states of the Council of Europe. This is the first agreement on a common definition of terrorism at regional level, making it a historic moment for global counter-terrorism efforts. This definition is fully compatible with the EU’s definition of ‘terrorist offences’, as set out inthe Directive on combating terrorism.

Once in force, the Protocol will provide a solid foundation for regional efforts to prevent terrorism, as well as for international cooperation. A harmonised definition will improve judicial cooperation by facilitating the issuance of requests for mutual legal assistance and extradition in terrorism cases between Council of Europe members that accede to both the Protocol and the Convention.  

The European Commission, acting under a mandate from the Council, negotiated on behalf of the Union together with the EU Member States. The Protocol was signed on behalf of the Union by the EU Ambassador to the Council of Europe, Ms Vesna Kos, at the signing ceremony held by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. 

More information: European Commission.