European Commission Vice President Frattini on EU Security Strategy

In his keynote address to the Security and Defense Agenda Conference in Brussels, European Commission Vice President Franco Frattini emphasized that fighting organized crime and terrorism is a central part of the European Union's European Security Strategy and is increasingly a factor in its relations with third countries. "Most new agreements since September 11th, 2001 include counter-terrorism clauses. Our work also includes technical and financial assistance. In total the EU provides several hundred million euros to around 80 countries. This helps institution building and investment, border control and support for regional counter-terrorism centers. We help countries draft legislation on counter-terrorism, customs, immigration, extradition or police and law enforcement work."

Vice President Frattini also noted that the EU and United States have a special role to play in promoting regional cooperation and work closely to address common threats and challenges: "I am extremely pleased with the successes this year on reaching an Agreement on the transfer of Passenger Name Records and finding a solution to the SWIFT case, both involving personal data. Both sides of the Atlantic showed determination in achieving guarantees for our citizens' privacy while keeping in mind the need to exchange information in order to fight terrorism and serious crime."

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