20 September 2001

Joint U.S.-EU Statement on Combating Terrorism

The United States and European Union (EU) have outlined several key areas for future cooperation in their effort to eliminate international terrorism.

In a ministerial statement issued September 20, the two major powers said they would step up cooperation on aviation and other transport security, police and judicial activities, financial sanctions, export controls, border controls and exchange of electronic data.

The statement followed a same-day meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell, Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel (Belgium currently holds the presidency of the EU), EU External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten, and Javier Solana, secretary general of the EU Council and the high representative for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy.

"The U.S. and the EU are committed to enhancing security measures, legislation and enforcement," the statement said. "We will mount a comprehensive, systematic and sustained effort to eliminate international terrorism -- its leaders, its actions, its networks."

Following is the text of the statement:

In the coming days, weeks and months, the United States and the European Union will work in partnership in a broad coalition to combat the evil of terrorism. We will act jointly to expand and improve this cooperation worldwide. Those responsible for the recent attacks must be tracked down and held to account. We will mount a comprehensive, systematic and sustained effort to eliminate international terrorism -- its leaders, its actions, its networks. Those responsible for aiding, supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable. Given the events of September 11, 2001 it is imperative that we continue to develop practical measures to prevent terrorists from operating.

Our resolve is a reflection of the strength of the U.S.-EU relationship, our shared values, and our determination to address together the new challenges we face. The nature of our democratic societies makes it imperative to protect our citizens from terrorist acts, while at the same time protecting their individual liberties, due process, and the rule of law. The U.S. and the EU are committed to enhancing security measures, legislation and enforcement. We will work together to encourage greater cooperation in international fora and wider implementation of international instruments. We will also cooperate in global efforts to eliminate the ability of terrorists to plan and carry out future atrocities. We have agreed today that the United States and the EU will vigorously pursue cooperation in the following areas in order to reduce vulnerabilities in our societies:

• Aviation and other transport security

• Police and judicial cooperation, including extradition

• Denial of financing of terrorism, including financial sanctions

• Denial of other means of support to terrorists

• Export control and nonproliferation

• Border controls, including visa and document security issues

• Law enforcement access to information and exchange of electronic data