Counter-terrorism Press conference after committee vote

Strasbourg On Tuesday 5 JULY 2016 09.30 Press room of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Civil Liberties MEPs will vote their amendments to the draft directive on “Combatting terrorism” and on a mandate for Parliament’s lead MEP Monika Hohlmeier (EPP, DE) to open up negotiations with the Council. Following the committee vote, Mrs Hohlmeier will give a press conference on Tuesday morning at 9.30 in the press briefing room in Strasbourg.The draft directive on “Combatting terrorism” aims to step up the fight against terrorism by criminalising also preparatory acts.EU legislation of 2002, last updated in 2008, already criminalises certain terrorist acts, including the commission of terrorist attacks. However, the new proposal suggests also criminalising travelling abroad for terrorist purposes, receiving training or financing terrorist activities as well as specific measures to protect and assist victims of terrorism.The proposal for the Counter terrorism directive was presented by the Commission on 2 December 2015 in the wake of the November Paris attacks and is considered a key tool in the joint fight to prevent terrorism.