European Observatory to Combat Radicalization
Brussels HUMILIATED as Macron challenges Free Movement after brutal terrorist attacks
Express – EMMANUEL MACRON has led calls for a reform to freedom of movement rules in wake of the recent terror attacks that sparked chaos across the European Union. The French president has already ramped up border controls in France and warned the EU’s Schengen area, which allows free movement across borders, may need to change. The country triggered its highest security alert after two terror attacks took place in less than a month.
The first attack took the life of teacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded for showing cartoons of Prophet Muhammad to his students.The second incident, a knife attack that killed three people, took place at a church in Niece last week.The suspect, a Tunisian national who had travelled to France from Italy had been issued a document by the Italian Red Cross.Following the attacks, 4,000 troops were deployed to protect France’s streets, and in particular, places of worship and schools.
Mr Macron made a promise to French citizens to “not give in to any terror”.In a statement, he said: “If we have been attacked once again, it is because of our values, our taste for freedom; the freedom to believe freely and not give in to any terror.“We will give in to nothing. Today we have increased our security to deal with the terrorist threat.“Our absolute determination in the face of these acts will continue and we will protect all our citizens.
“In response, my message is one of absolute firmness and unity.“There is only one community in France, the national community.”Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that the country is “at war” with Islamist extremists.Luigi Di Maio, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemned recent attacks and called for cooperation among countries.
He said introducing stricter anti-terrorism laws across the continent was key in preventing future attacks.Mr di Maio said: “It is necessary now that Europe plans a common path to increase security. That is what I mean by a European Patriot Act.“We cannot passively submit and wait for one lunatic to bring an entire country to its knees.”Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz urged countries to act together and fight terror following a series of attacks in Austria’s capital, Vienna.
At least four people were killed and 22 more injured after a heavily armed gunman opened fire on people in the city centre.Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he said: “Apart from investigation and preventive measures, international cooperation is needed.“Islamist terrorism is part of a single network across the world and carries the same danger everywhere.“Europe is facing a common challenge and we can only respond together.
