The financing of the ‘Islamic State’ in Syria and Iraq (ISIS)

Please note: Each In-Depth Analysis is assigned a DOI (digital object identifier), which is a safe and long term way of ensuring a hyperlink to the full text of this report. However, when ESO creates this record, on occasion the DOI still has not been activated by the EU Bookshop. If you find the source url hyperlink does not work please use the alternative location hyperlink listed as a related url.This paper’s aim is to analysis IS’ origins, the way in which it operates and finances itself, as well as its future prospects following the likely fall of Raqqa and that of Mosul.

Threatening both its caliphate project and its sources of funding, the series of military setbacks that the so-called Islamic State group (IS) has suffered for several months in 2017 have called into question the group’s very existence. That is not to say that its offensive capabilities will be neutered – the organisation will remain able to employ ’low-cost‘ terrorist attacks to target civilians throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, America or Asia.

In mobilising Member States to fight against terrorism, the European Parliament’s role is crucial. Individually, Member States have an important part to play in effectively implementing common decisions. Their varying levels of engagement, as well as the progress they have made in confronting the financing of terrorism and especially IS, should be considered. An annual reporting framework should be put into place to better evaluate the measures taken by both Member States and the European Commission in this area.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: European Parliamentary Research Service: In-Depth Analysis, September 2017: The financing of the ‘Islamic State’ in Syria and Iraq (ISIS) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2017/603835/EXPO_IDA(2017)603835_EN.pdf

Chatham House: Expert Comment, 17.01.18: ISIS Is Still in Business https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/isis-still-business

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