Pakistan and EU Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation in Brussels

On February 20, 2025, Pakistan and the European Union held their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels to enhance cooperation under the Strategic Engagement Plan. The delegations discussed regional and global security challenges while reaffirming their commitment to counter-terrorism. Collaborative efforts on violent extremism, terrorism financing, and human rights were also emphasized, showcasing a multidimensional approach to security.

On February 20, 2025, Pakistan and the European Union (EU) convened their ninth counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, aimed at enhancing cooperation in this crucial area as part of their broader security framework established under the 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan. The discussions were led by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy of the European External Action Service, and Abdul Hameed, Director General for Counter-Terrorism from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the talks, both parties condemned terrorism in all forms and reiterated their unwavering commitment to combat it. The dialogue enabled an exchange of insights regarding regional and global security challenges, particularly the implications of the situation in Afghanistan and conflicts in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of collaborating with international partners in multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which the EU has co-chaired since 2022.

The discussions also focused on best practices, aiming for concrete cooperation on specific issues such as preventing and countering violent extremism, foreign fighter recruitment, online and offline radicalization, and terrorism financing. These topics reflect a growing resolve to address the challenges posed by terrorism effectively. In light of the EU’s ongoing review of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), collaboration in enhancing human rights practices in Pakistan was also emphasized during recent engagements.

In January, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Ambassador Olof Skoog, visited Pakistan for a week, stressing the urgency of addressing various human rights issues to uphold the GSP+ status. His discussions included meetings with officials from federal and provincial governments, military leaders, civil society organizations, and representatives from the business sector. Ambassador Skoog reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to assisting Pakistan in fulfilling its human rights obligations, encouraging serious engagement with all stakeholders, including the nation’s dynamic civil society.

The recent counter-terrorism dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union signifies a strengthened commitment to combating terrorism through enhanced cooperation. By addressing both global and regional security challenges, particularly related to Afghanistan and extremism, both parties are poised to exchange best practices and undertake concrete actions. Simultaneously, the EU continues to advocate for human rights advancements in Pakistan, underlining the nexus between security and socio-political stability.

Original Source: www.geo.tv