EU Counter-Terrorism Cooperation with the Middle East and North Africa

Abstract

The resilience of MENA states is vital to protect EU territory from terrorist attacks. This chapter explores how the EU has attempted to develop counter-terrorism cooperation with its MENA partners and the results that these initiatives have achieved in practice. After introducing the security and counter-terrorism policies of the EU and the development of such policies vis-à-vis the MENA region, this chapter examines the evolution of EU-MENA counter-terrorism cooperation, focusing on four dimensions: (1) border controls; (2) countering the financing of terrorism; (3) fostering regional cooperation; and (4) strengthening the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Despite human rights protection initiatives, counter-terrorism cooperation to date has ultimately prioritised enhancing state resilience over supporting societal resilience, in line with the EU’s broader approach towards the MENA region.