ECFR Views from the Capitals. European responses to terrorism

The March 2016 terrorist attacks in Brussels have reopened old debates about how to respond to terrorism across the European Union. Some have focussed on a military response to degrade the terrorists' capabilities, others on an approach centred around cultural and social integration. Others still are advocating dramatically enhancing the strength of European and national borders. How are key EU capitals responding to the enhanced threat of terrorism within their borders? Have the Brussels attacks changed their approach? And will talk of a more Europeanised approach to security and terrorism bear fruit?

A series of separate features:

+ Concerted and coordinated: Terrorism in Europe by Anthony Dworkin
After Brussels it is clear that Europe faces a concerted terrorist campaign, organised and supported directly from Syria

+ View from Berlin: A security lens by Almut Möller
Berlin looks at Europe's problems through the prism of security far more than they are usually given credit for.

+ View from London: Ammunition for 'Out' by Susi Dennison
The terrorist attacks in Brussels were immediately picked up by the 'Out' campaign, but the government is promising European cooperation.

+ View from Madrid: Strengthening joint working by José Ignacio Torreblanca
Spain's lack of xenophobic parties has meant that the refugee crisis has so far escaped being linked with terrorism.

+ View from Paris: On a martial footing by Manuel Lafont Rapnouil
France is 'at war' with terrorists, but the government faces the prospect of being rhetorically outgunned by the opposition

+ View from Rome: The possibility of a 'European' Islam by Silvia Francescon
Italy's government has called for the 'europeanisation' of intelligence, but is exploring more cultural answers to the terrorism problem.

+ View from Sofia: Fear and loathing by Vessela Tcherneva
Amid a new climate of nervousness, Bulgarians are starting to feel wary of European indecisiveness.

+ View from Warsaw: Security and selective solidarity by Marta Makowska
Each terrorist incident within the EU strengthens Law and Justice’s 'fortress Europe' narrative

ESO: Background information: Is a European Security Policy Finally Possible? http://www.europeansources.info/record/judy-asks-is-a-european-security-policy-finally-possible/

ESO: Background information: Extraordinary meeting of Ministers for Justice and Security and representatives of the EU Institutions, Brussels, 24 March 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/extraordinary-meeting-of-ministers-for-justice-and-security-and-representatives-of-the-eu-institutions-brussels-24-march-2016/

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