18
November
2021

Directive (EU) 2017/541 on combating terrorism ― Impact on fundamental rights and freedoms

This report examines the EU’s main criminal law instrument in the field of counter-terrorism, Directive (EU) 2017/541. Specifically, it considers how the directive engages issues of fundamental rights, affecting individuals, groups and society as a whole.
Overview

The report focuses on three specific offences covered by the directive, all of them preparatory in nature: public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, travelling for the purpose of terrorism and receiving training for terrorism.

The report is based on fieldwork in Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Spain and Sweden, and on evidence collected through desk research on the relevant legal and institutional framework. It provides valuable insights on the impact of counterterrorism measures on human rights.