In the wake of the tragic events in the USA the European Commission has
put
forward a proposal for a "Framework Decision on combating terrorism" which
is being discussed today at the special meeting of EU Justice and Home
Affairs Ministers in Brussels.

An analysis of the proposal would appear to show that the intention is to
extend the definition of "terrorism" to cover public order situations.

Tony Bunyan, Statewatch editor, comments:

"The response of the EU to the tragic events in the US needs to be
examined
with great care. The definition of terrorism is very similar in its scope
to the UK Terrorism Act which is drawn so wide as to endanger legitimate
dissent.

The European Commission proposal on combating terrorism is either very
badly drafted, or there is a deliberate attempt to broaden the concept of
terrorism to cover protests (such as those in Gothenburg and Genoa) and
what it calls "urban violence" (often seen by local communities as
self-defence). If it is intended to slip in by the back door draconian
measures to control political dissent it will only serve to undermine the
very freedoms and democracies legislators say they are protecting"

For full report see: