EU's response to terrorism: let's not forget our principles

While the Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe) are categorical in their condemnation of all forms of violence and terrorism, it is important that the European Union does not lose sight of its values and principles when putting forward a response to the London terrorist attacks.

"Any response to the terrorist threat at the EU level must balance 2 factors - the local versus the surpranational nature of the problem, and security versus the liberty of European citizens," stated Jon Worth, President of JEF-Europe.

"The values on which the European Union is founded - liberty, democracy and respecting human rights - should never be called into question. Security concerns should not mean these values are eroded."

"Just as with any policy area, there must be a clear rationale for EU action - on the basis of subsidiarity."

"The citizens of the EU rightly expect the EU to come up with answers to their justifiable concerns and the EU can really add value in this area - by sharing intelligence, bringing police and security forces together, and agreeing proportionate rules on data retention. All these measures have to be taken with necessary care and the European Parliament has to be involved."

"A notable case in point is France's decision to suspend Schengen in response to the London attacks. Resorting to these national solutions is no way to deal with what is clearly a trans-national problem, and we strongly criticise that decision."

“We have to realize that in modern times border checks simply cannot be effective against attacks, and adversely impede the lives of EU citizens. It would be a step back for the Union and would not mean improved security."