Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In an exclusive interview with The Brussels Morning Newspaper, MEP Lukas Mandl shared insights on counterterrorism in Europe. The discussion, conducted by journalist Sarhan Basem, covered key challenges and potential solutions. Below is the full interview, in which MEP Lukas Mandl responds to Sarhan’s questions and provides an in-depth perspective on the issue.
SB. Do you think that the current counter-terrorism strategy is effective? Are there any gaps?
LM. The number of terrorist attacks has decreased during more than ten years. One of the reasons might be the good work of intelligence and police forces. But the threats have been increasing all over the world, also in Europe. So we still have to strengthen our forces and to invest more in prevention, beginning with education.
SB. How should the EU states respond to foreign fighters returning to Europe from conflict zones?
LM. It’s a major crime to enlist in combatant forces. That applies even more when it comes to terrorist entities, meaning irregular forces. The option of deprivation of citizenship must remain in place.
SB. Do you believe the existing anti-money laundry measures effectively cut off terrorism financing?
LM. The anti-money laundering regulation of the EU are a major defence line against terrorism. But some of the aspects also mean obstacles for regular business. That’s why an impact assessment will be needed to adapt our regulation to better fight terrorism and organised crime as well as to create more opportunities for the European economy.
SB. From your point of view, how do conflicts in the Middle East and other regions influence terrorism in Europe?
LM. We can learn from our partner state Israel to understand the patterns of terrorism, its roots in hatred already young children would be exposed to. Israel has been defending itself against such kind of attacks for decades. We are supposed to observe the ideologies of hatred of various kinds terrorism is a direct result of. These ideologies would target our civilisation. That’s why I’m highly critical on expressions like ‘the global south’ because they cause imaginations of division and, of oppression and suppression. That’s completely wrong both fact-based as well as in the negative effect they can have.
SB. Do you believe that the concept (ZERO tolerance for terrorism) is realistic, or does it ignore the complexity of the phenomenon?
LM. The roots of terrorism are complex. The psychological determination of terrorists might be complex. To fight terrorism might be complex in its means and measures. But zero tolerance is the way to deal with terrorism. One will achieve nothing but persecution and sanctions for terrorism. That’s what terrorists of all kinds should be aware of. Better to begin with children and education to avoid anyone becoming a terrorist.
SB. How can European countries balance combating terrorism and protecting democratic values and individual freedoms?
LM. First we will protect democratic values and individual freedom via avoiding and combating terrorism. Secondly to fight terrorism must never lead to a reduction of the very freedom we are supposed to defend against terrorism. This will remain one of the main tasks in European lawmaking.
