Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, March 26, 2004
EU appoints counter-terrorism coordinator
The European Council summit Thursday appointed Dutchman Gijs de Vries as the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator of the European Union(EU), a post widely proposed within the EU after March 11 Madrid terrorist bombings.
The European Council summit Thursday appointed Dutchman Gijs de Vries as the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator of the European Union(EU), a post widely proposed within the EU after March 11 Madrid terrorist bombings.
Vries, former Dutch deputy interior minister, will be responsible for coordinating the EU in its fight against terrorism and will also play a major role in policy making and information sharing in Brussels.
EU security and foreign affairs chief Javier Solana said Vries is appropriate for the post because Vries, once a member of the European Parliament, is familiar with legal and home affairs and good at coordination work.
Working directly under Solana, Vries is required to present a report within 180 days identifying concrete steps the EU can take to strengthen its fight against terrorism.