Europe’s Shattered Peace, Europe’s Struggling Values

The terrorist attacks that killed at least 31 people in Brussels and injured some 270 others on 22 March 2016 have changed Europe’s perception about itself. Until now, despite so many calculated murders of many innocent civilians in Madrid, London, Copenhagen, and Paris — among other cities across Europe — since 2004, European leaders have adopted ad hoc measures to counter this new challenge. What makes Brussels different is that there’s now an acceptance by EU leaders that these attacks will continue.

Protecting values and dealing with war are almost a contradiction in terms. But European governments could weaken this contradiction in a number of ways.

But the biggest issues that EU governments have to deal with are migration and integration.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Brussels attacks: Zaventem and Maelbeek bombs kill many / Terror hits the capital of Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-attacks-zaventem-and-maelbeek-bombs-kill-many-terror-hits-the-capital-of-europe/

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/

ECFR: Podcast, March 2016: Brussels terror attacks and its implications on European security and unity. http://www.ecfr.eu/podcasts/episode/ecfrs_world_in_30_minutes_brussels_terror_attacks

EurActiv 25.03.16: [Opinion]: Europe’s shattered peace, Europe’s struggling values http://www.euractiv.com/section/security/opinion/europes-shattered-peace-europes-struggling-values/

openDemocracy, 25.03.16: After Brussels, ISIS's strategy https://www.opendemocracy.net/paul-rogers/after-brussels-isiss-strategy

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