Yesterday, our class had a briefing from Europol staff on Europe’s effort in counter-terrorism.
What is Europol
Europol means European Police Office. It is a criminal intelligence organisation which was stipulated by the European Union. Much of the funding was contributed by the member states depending on the Gross National Product. Originally it was police cooperation mainly amongst France, UK and Germany, but now it is incorporated with EU, thanks to the Maastricht Treaty and the Third Pillar.
The Operation
Now, it has approximately 670 staff from all member states in assisting cases ranging from anarchist group, right wing terrorists, Islamic terrorism and other form of criminal cases deemed important to be address in the European interest.
There are 20 databases which includes 2 for terrorism. Databases consists of analytical workfile.
There are three departments within the Europol: Administration Department, I.T Department and Serious Crime Department. Within the Serious Crime Department are sub-cells such as drugs and Terrorism (SC5).
Even if the Europol mainly consists in working within European affairs, there are however co-operation agreements with non-member states of the EU. So called ‘Operation Agreement’ includes US, Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Columbia and Croatia which exchanges details such as strategic and operation of its task such as database/information sharing. There is also another agreement called ‘Strategic Agreement’ with Russia and Turkey which dealt with only exchanging information such as motives of the Europol task, rather than core information.
As for extradition, it is based on case-by-case basis and the human right violation of a country in which it received the suspect. For example, Europol would not allow extradition to countries with capital punishment as it is a firm violation of the European law.
EU Terrorism Situation
Anarchist Groups are mainly concentrated in South of Europe such as Greece and Italy. A major anarchist group event was on 17th November 2003 prior to the Olympic Games in Greece.
Right-Wing Terrorism: Although there are right wing extremists, it is lesser known for its terrorist activities.
Islamic Terrorism is based on caliphate. Although it its motive is not actually to take power, but to influence through fear.
Difference between Organised Criminals and Terrorists
Terrorist is a sub-group of organised crime. However, an organised criminals such as Hells Angels Bikers are exactly organised. If one member is imprisoned, it can easily be replaced as it has a set pyramid shaped hierarchy. On the other hand, terrorist organisations are not organised to the degree. Contrary to the belief of the public, Al Quaeda is one of the most unorganised terrorist organisation. Most newly found members must build reputation which may takes years and then must use its own capital and resources to take up its mission. Thus, it is divided into cells. If one cell is destroyed, it has a ripple effect on the rest on a very loosely based organisation.
