The March 11 train attacks in Madrid, which killed some 200 people in Europe's worst act of terror in over a decade, have rocketed terrorism to the top of the EU's agenda, surpassing all talk of budgets and constitutions. Meeting in Brussels on Monday, foreign ministers for the 25 current and soon-to-be EU members made it clear the bloc aims to get tough on terror.
| "Yeah! Ain't nobody tough on terror like us!" |
"It is vital to boost coordination, both within the EU and with third parties," the foreign ministers agreed, confirming they had approved measures already debated by interior ministers in hastily-convened talks last Friday.
| You "boost coordination" by having a lot of meetings. They teach that in management schools. |
But Monday's statements went beyond just rhetoric. In an uncharacteristic move linking trade and aid with political compliance, the foreign ministers warned partner countries outside the bloc that their economic relations with the EU would suffer if they failed to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. The ministers referred to the fight against terror as "a key element of political dialogue" with non-EU countries, including those in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Those whose cooperation in fighting terrorism was deemed insufficient would risk loosing aid and trade with the economically powerful EU, the ministers wrote in a draft declaration on terrorism after the meeting.
| "Maybe we'll cut back on NGOs, too? So whaddya think about them apples?... No! Not the pictures of the starving kiddies with the flies walking on their faces! Pleeze! |
To some extent, the Europeans have already begun implementing the tough talk by suspending free-trade negotiations with Iran until the government comes clean on its nuclear weapons program. And an impending aid and trade deal with Syria hinges on Damascus accepting an anti-terrorism clause.
Yep. That'll do it. Make 'em sign a document before you give them things. Maybe you should hold a meeting with them?
It goes on at the link... |
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