Pursuing terrorism
'Pursuing terrorism' refers to the work of the police and crime-fighting agencies to combat terrorism by various types of action.
More effective methods
Uncovering terrorism is a difficult task, the success of which is dependent on effective intelligence operations. Skills, technology use and working methods need continuous upgrading. Hence, in January 2008 new legislation was introduced that gave the judicial authorities the right to use bugging and preventive investigative methods. An inquiry will be appointed in 2008 to consider the possibility of infiltration operations or entrapment.
Increased inter-agency cooperation
In order to use Sweden's combined resources to combat terrorism effectively and efficiently, the agencies concerned meet in the Counter-Terrorism Cooperative Council. Under the Council there is also a task force called the National Centre for Terrorist Threat Assessment (NCT). The Government will continue to promote inter-agency cooperation.
More cross-border cooperation
Work is in progress in the EU to improve and intensify international cooperation and information exchange. Sweden is an active participant in this and in 2008 the Government will present a bill on implementation of the Prüm Council Decision on cross-border cooperation between agencies. Other important tasks include further development of Europol and Eurojust.
Increased opportunities for information exchange
The Government will present a bill proposing that in certain circumstances crime-fighting agencies should have access to the EU visa information database (VIS). The bill will be prepared so as to fully protect transferred personal data and the right to privacy.
International dialogue
Within the EU and bilaterally, dialogue will be conducted with other countries to exchange experiences, find ways to achieve better operational cooperation and strengthen protection of human rights.
Increased international consensus
Within the EU, the European Arrest Warrant in particular has been a great step forwards for legal cooperation. Significant developments are also under way in the Council of Europe, with new proposals giving increasing scope to issues of cooperation. The efforts to reach an agreement on a general UN Terrorism Convention have high priority for Sweden and the EU.
Clarity about respect for human rights in connection with refusal of entry and expulsion
The authorities must always handle cases so as to maintain respect for the rule of law and human rights. Sweden's commitment not to be a sanctuary for terrorist activities must never lead to infringement of the prohibition against refusing entry to or expelling individuals who risk torture or inhuman or humiliating treatment or punishment.
Stricter rules against money laundering and terrorist financing
One important measure to limit the opportunities of terrorists to plan and carry out attacks or recruit new adherents is to hinder their access to financial resources. Cooperation is needed between several different agencies to be able to trace the financing of terrorism and to investigate whether other crime is being used to generate money for activities related to terrorism. A new legislative proposal for incorporation of the Third EU Money Laundering Directive is expected to be ready in 2008.
Implementation of sanctions undertakings
The Government is considering what further measures are required to enable Sweden to implement its undertakings under the UN Security Council resolutions. The Government will continue to call for improvement and refinement of the international sanctions instruments, so as to guarantee the rule of law and respect for international law, including human rights.
