– Germany Next Target of Terrorism?

EU to create new anti-terrorist police unit Brussels
IRNA

The European Union is considering formally launching a new police unit to focus on the fight against terrorism.

Following the 9/11 attacks in the US, EU states have decided to strengthen their cooperation in counter-terrorism by establishing informally the so-called ATLAS Group at the initiative of Belgium, which held the EU Presidency in September 2001.

ATLAS regroups 29 special intervention units based in the police forces of the EU.

"We are examining the possibilities to create a new legal basis to establish this group permanently and formally," EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini told reporters Tuesday after holding talks with Belgian Interior Minister Patrick Dewael.

"I believe this group merits our support. It has the experience and is the best example in the world of cooperation in the fight against terrorism," said Frattini.

Dewael said he thought it was an excellent idea to better fight terrorism that special units work better together."

Gijs de Vries, EU anti-terrorism coordinator, who also took part in the meeting, said, "You need our special forces to work well together, to have common training and experience."

"That is what this initiative is about and we hope to take it forward in the coming year as one of the practical ways in which Europe can help national forces work better to prevent terrorist attacks," he added.