| Abstract [eng] |
Object of the thesis is the EU counter-terrorism policy. The main focus of the thesis is placed on the analysis of this aspect. However, in order to obtain an all-round analysis account is also taken of the processes taking place in European Muslim communities. Aim of the thesis – to consider the process of formation of the EU counter-terrorism policy in 2001–2006, to assess the validity of the measures used in the fight against terrorism and their success. Hypothesis of the thesis – the EU counter-terrorism policy is facing difficulties in implementing the application of measures and is not preventive, the application of improper measures contributes to radicalisation of Muslim communities and their involvement in terrorist activities. Seeking an all-round treatment of the problem, the master’s thesis analyses transformation of terrorism over the recent years, looks into the factors influencing the radicalisation tendencies of the European Muslim community, and considers evolution of terrorism. Moreover, the master’s thesis analyses the practical implementation of the main instruments in the fight against terrorism (the EU’s fight against recruitment, solution of the problem of financing of terrorists, consolidation of co-operation of judicial institutions as well as exchange of intelligence by the EU member states).. The essential problem preventing the formation of a common EU counter-terrorism policy is the responsibility borne by the member states for ensuring of national security. It is this aspect, which hinders the efficient activities of common counter-terrorism instruments. The efficiency of the EU counter-terrorism policy is reduced by the absence of the institutional framework for the fight against terrorism. In spite of efforts of the EU towards creation of a mechanism to ensure the proper functioning of counter-terrorism activities, this goal has not been achieved yet. A rather contrary effect can be noticed. Although many working groups and committees have been set up, in the absence of their focused activities, functions of the fight against terrorism are duplicated, and co-operation itself is being developed at different levels, which enhances the complexity of the counter-terrorism mechanism. Another important reason reducing the efficiency of the fight against terrorism is the multifaceted nature of the fight against terrorism. The current counter-terrorism policy may be described as reactive rather than preventive. The lack of political will can be noted, and co-operation is accompanied by distrust. The analysis of specific counter-terrorism measures shows that even after a political agreement on their application is achieved, their implementation in practice is slow and is characterised by essential shortcomings. Another important aspect underlining the inefficiency of the EU counter-terrorism policy is criminalisation of the phenomenon of terrorism. Such a stance is formed by the focusing of the EU’s fight against terrorism exclusively on legal issues. The absolute majority of implemented measures are legal measures. Moreover, the essential question of the fight against terrorism – why does a part of the European Muslim community become involved in terrorist activities – is omitted. The lack of a socio-cultural component within the framework of the counter-terrorism policy reflects the fact that the EU is fighting against the terrorist organisations of the past. Faced with Jihad terrorism, the EU is applying inert methods, which today cannot provide a valid response. This is another aspect revealing that the EU is fighting against the consequences rather than causes of the phenomenon. Legal measures are necessary to stop terrorist attacks today, however this could be just an adjacent level. Of the greatest importance is solution of socio-cultural problems, whose existence secures recruitment of potential terrorists. |
