Publication

The EU-Maghreb counter-terrorism cooperation forms part of the EU’s European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), the EU’s main framework for relations with its southern neighbors. Within this context, the EU’s cross-pillar approach to fighting terrorism has been externalized to the Maghreb. Despite the EU’s concern with a possible spill-over of terrorism from the Maghreb, counter-terrorism cooperation with Maghreb countries has been largely limited to reform of the judicial, police, and prison systems, as well as border management. On the positive side, the Arab Spring has prompted a review of the European Neighborhood Policy and, as part of this, the EU should use the opportunity to develop a more holistic approach to EU-Maghreb counter-terrorism cooperation.