Other European states and Russia

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 381.

As a consequence of 9/11 the European ministers of finance, secretaries of state and foreign secretaries met to decide on a strategy to avoid terrorist attacks in their own countries. The outcome was better cooperation of police and intelligence services between countries, diminished civil liberties and enhanced security laws, accelerated deportation and a more controlled issuing of visas, better identity protection by means of an EU fingerprint system connected to visa requests by foreigners and the freezing of financial resources linked to terrorist organisations. Between September 12 and 24, 2001 anti-terrorism initiatives were adopted by the European Parliament. The Transport Council agreed on 14 September, 2001, to step up air safety and security measures. The Justice and Home Affairs Council met on 20 September, 2001 and agreed on the establishment of a European arrest warrant.

Despite domestic criticism, British Prime Minister Tony Blair was the first to support the United States military by sending troops to fight in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom also introduced new laws, for instance to allow the detention without trial of non British citizens suspected of terrorism.

September 11 was a turning point in Russia's relations with the world. Russian President Vladimir Putin was the first world leader to call George W. Bush after the attacks. Later he offered to share intelligence with the United States, to open Russian airspace for humanitarian flights and to increase the supply of weapons to the Northern Alliance. Russia's intentions were clear. Western political leaders had been very critical of Russia's second war against Chechnya. After the USA and its allies launched military attacks against Afghanistan, Western criticism quickly faded away. Russia also wanted other states to cancel or at least to reschedule its huge foreign debt. President Putin furthermore expected President Bush to rethink the American idea of abandoning the ABM treaty and developing a missile defence system. September 11 also brought a new role for Russia in NATO. Just a few years ago it would have been unthinkable for U.S. troops to be stationed along Russia's southern border. On May 28, 2002 NATO and Russia signed a declaration according to which Russia had more say in crisis management, military issues and peacekeeping. The so-called NATO-Russia council built up a new policy on counterterrorism, regional emergencies and arms control.