The contribution of EU research to the fight against terrorism

Brussels, 03 Aug 2005

The European Commission has outlined how it is contributing to tackling terrorism through research, giving details of security projects that it is funding under its Preparatory Action for Security Research.

One project will lead to the design and demonstration of an anti-terrorist security system architecture that will better detect terrorist threats and protect railway passengers. The project will combine information from sensors, remote control or autonomous cameras, ground penetrating radars and line scanners. A further seven projects and five supporting activities will receive 15 million euro between them.

The Commission has proposed increasing the security research budget from 15 million euro per year to 250 million per year from 2007.

'The recent events in London show how vulnerable public transport systems are to terrorist attacks. The Commission is determined to do its part to better protect our citizens and fund EU wide targeted research efforts,' said Günter Verheugen, Enterprise and Industry Commissioner.

'The findings of the research projects will constitute yet another small but important step in strengthening the EU's capacity to prevent and counter terrorism,' added Justice, Freedom and Security Commissioner, Franco Frattini.

Other selected projects will address improving surveillance of European harbours and coastlines, and creating integrated protection systems for the complete air transportation system.

Together, the projects are intended to define both the required technological solutions and the supporting operational concepts.

The Commission is currently preparing the third and final call for proposals under the Preparatory Action, which is planned for publication in early February 2006.

For further information, please consult the following web addresses:
http:///www.cordis.lu/security/home.html
http:///europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/sec urity/index_en.htm

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