Counterterrorism policy must be based on evidence and not assumptions, says a resolution approved by members of the European Parliament (EP) on July 12, 2011.  Supporters of the resolution called for a comprehensive evaluationof measures taken to combat terrorism in Europe and urge the European Commission (EC) to study the substantial costs and burdens of counter-terrorism policy.

“Counter-terrorism policy must meet standards of necessity, effectiveness, proportionality, civil liberties, the rule of law and democratic scrutiny and accountability”, said rapporteur Sophia Helena in’t Veld.

The resolution calls on the EC to:

  • present a study on the costs of counterterrorism policies

  • invest in anti-racism and anti-discrimination policies

  • improve the use and storage of data for counterterrorism purposes

This is not the first time a review of counter-terror policy has been sought in the EP. In January 2011, an EP report declared:

“Counterterrorism measures tend to have a profound impact on civil liberties, the rule of law and democratic decision-making. They also have a substantial budget impact. It is therefore reasonable to measure the costs and benefits of counterterrorism policies, just like any other policy area. Policy makers should know if their decisions have the desired impact, and citizens have a right to hold their elected representatives to account.”