European Council conclusions on security and defence

On 22 June 2017, the European Council adopted conclusions on internal security and the fight against terrorism as well as external security and defence.

It was emphasised that we need to accelerate collective efforts to share knowledge on foreign terrorist fighters as well as home-grown radicalised individuals and take forward policy and legal measures to manage the threat. The European Council also underlined the importance of providing support to the victims of terror acts.

To strengthen the EU's rapid response toolbox, the European Council agrees that the deployment of Battlegroups should be borne as a common cost by the EU-managed Athena mechanism on a permanent basis. It also urges the Council to speed up its work on greater responsiveness of the civilian crisis management.

ESO: Background information: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The European agenda on security http://www.europeansources.info/record/communication-from-the-commission-to-the-european-parliament-the-council-the-european-economic-and-social-committee-and-the-committee-of-the-regions-the-european-agenda-on-security/

EUObserver, 22.06.17: 'Historic' defence plan gets launch date at EU summit https://euobserver.com/political/138324

EurActiv, 22.06.17: EU leaders hail ‘historic step’ in defence cooperation https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/eu-leaders-hail-historic-step-in-defence-cooperation/

Reuters, 22.06.17: EU flexes military muscles with new defense plan https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-summit-defence-idUSKBN19D2G8

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