Finding the Right Balance between Effective Measures and Fundamental Human Rights Guarantees

During the 1970s the European States developed intergovernmental initiatives to address terrorism. First, within the framework of the European Political Cooperation dealing with foreign policy issues, a working group was set up to examine the political and legal aspects of international terrorism. A second initiative became known under the acronym TREVI, short for “Terrorisme, Radicalisme, Extremisme et Violation International”, set up to enhance the information exchange on terrorist groups. The Maastricht Treaty incorporated these two initiatives in the EU system, replacing the European Political Cooperation with the Second Pillar dealing with Common Foreign and Security Policy, and integrating TREVI in the Third Pillar dealing with Justice and Home Affairs. Prior to September 11, the EU mainly dealt with terrorism in the Third Pillar viewing it as a criminal justice issue, rather than an aspect of foreign policy.

Journal/Publisher: Revue internationale de droit pénal Volume 79

Co-author/s: Wendy DE BONDT

Publication type: Article

Number of pages/Page range: 379-402

Language/s (content): English

Date of publication: 03-03-08

Personal data

Full name Gert VERMEULEN

Current occupation Member

University/Institution Ghent University

Email Gert.Vermeulen@UGent.be