Belgium: Europe signs new protocols to tackle terrorism in united fashion

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland and Bosnian Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak signed the first set of legally-binding international measures to synchronise their laws and help tackle so-called "foreign terrorist fighters" on Tuesday, in Brussels. The additional protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism has been signed by 44 of the organisation's 47 member states so far. According to the Belgian Foreign Minister, the new legal standards aim "to have a balanced approach in all the member states" in the fight against terrorism. The agreement will require countries to outlaw specific actions, including intentionally taking part in terrorist groups, receiving terrorism training or travelling abroad for the purpose of terrorism. The protocol also provides an new network for the exchange of information between the states. The 125th session of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers was taking place in Brussels. Belgium passed the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers to Bosnia and Herzegovina.