EU Summit: Conclusions on terrorism and safeguarding values

EU leaders reacted with deep sorrow and strong unity to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. These attacks targeted the fundamental values and human rights that are at the heart of the European Union - solidarity, freedom, including freedom of expression, pluralism, democracy, tolerance and human dignity. All citizens have the right to live free from fear, whatever their opinions or beliefs. The EU is adamant about safeguarding the region's common values and protecting all from violence based on ethnic or religious motivations and racism.

"This also means fighting the enemies of our values," states the joint statement issued. We will further reinforce action against terrorist threats, in full compliance with human rights and the rule of law." They agreed on the following guide:

1. Ensuring the security of citizens

To  better implement and further develop EU tools, in particular to detect and disrupt terrorist-related travel, notably of foreign terrorist fighters. It is asked that:

• EU legislators urgently adopt a strong and effective European Passenger Name Records directive with solid data protection safeguards;
• full use be made of the existing Schengen framework to reinforce and modernise external borders' control: we agree to proceed without delay to systematic and coordinated checks on individuals enjoying the right of free movement against databases relevant to the fight against terrorism based on common risk indicators; the Commission should issue rapidly operational guidelines for this; we will also consider a targeted amendment to the Schengen Borders Code where necessary to provide for permanent checks, based on a proposal by the Commission;
• law enforcement and judicial authorities step up...