EU: new counter-terrorism measures

On 30.10.2024, in accordance with UN Resolution 2734 (2024), the Council of the European Union adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/2771, amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2734 (2024) reaffirms the need for global action against terrorism. The resolution recalls numerous previous documents, emphasising the continuity of the United Nations’ commitment to counterterrorism, which began with Resolution 1267 (1999) and has been consolidated through subsequent normative interventions. This normative framework is the basis of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism: the multilateral system is structured around the United Nations Security Council, the only UN body with the power to issue acts that are binding on states, whose resolutions are subsequently implemented by the international community.

Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2771 represents the EU’s contribution to the international cooperation mechanism against terrorism. It extends the criteria for the imposition of sanctions, as outlined in the UN Resolution: in addition to the offences already included, the new provisions stipulate that the Council may impose sanctions on any person who participates in, promotes or facilitates acts of sexual violence, slavery, kidnapping and trafficking in human beings when used as a tactic of terrorism. These acts, considered as intimidation strategies, are aimed at targeting fragile populations and are recognised as serious human rights violations.