In July 2021, Ilkka Salmi was appointed as EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator for a five-year term of office. He started work on 1 October 2021.
The role of the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator
Following the terrorist attacks in Madrid on 11 March 2004, EU leaders adopted a declaration on combating terrorism. Among other measures, they agreed to establish the position of EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.
The Counter-Terrorism Coordinator is in charge of:
- coordinating counter-terrorism work within the EU
- presenting policy recommendations and proposing priority areas for action to the Council
- monitoring the implementation of the EU counter-terrorism strategy
- maintaining an overview of all EU instruments, reporting to the Council and following up Council decisions
- coordinating with the relevant preparatory bodies of the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS)
- ensuring the EU plays an active role in the fight against terrorism
- improving communication between the EU and third countries
Ilkka Salmi will play a key role in driving forward the EU counter-terrorism priorities agreed by EU home affairs ministers in November 2020.
He will help advance EU efforts to tackle terrorism by:
- briefing the Council on relevant issues and on proposals for future work
- meeting with representatives from non-EU countries and international organisations, as well as the private sector (e.g. EU Internet Forum)
Read Ilkka Salmi’s reports and proposals:
More information on Ilkka Salmi
Further Information