Capacity of EU to combat terrorism
is strengthened. First, on December 4, 2001, the Council of Ministers and
the European Parliament approved Directive 2001/97/EC to improve the money
laundering Directive 91/308/EEC. The new Directive expands the existing
Directive to include all proceeds from serious crimes. It imposes
record-keeping requirements on additional persons such as external accountants
and auditors, real estate agents, notaries, dealers in high-value goods, and
casinos. Secondly, the EU has proposed a Council Framework Decision on
combating terrorism (COM (2001) 521 final). It would require Member States to
criminalize all acts of terrorism including the promotion of terrorist groups
and interference with information systems. Third, the EU Council has issued a
Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to fight
all forms of terrorism. It targets specific terrorist entities, such as the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the “Real IRA,” and the Revolutionary Nuclei.
Fourth, the EU has proposed a Council Framework Decision on a European arrest
warrant. (COM (2001) 522 final). Fifth, the EU Council issued a Common Position
on combating terrorism on December 27, 2001 (2001/930/CFSP). It summarizes the
EU’s position that all financial and other support for terrorist activities
must be interrupted, and that the EU Member States must cooperate in this area.
It urges the EU Member States to accede to existing terrorism-related
international conventions. Finally, on December 27, 2001, the Council issued
Regulation No. 2580/2001 that freezes the assets of listed persons, groups and
entities with terrorist links. Cf. Council Decision 2001/927/EC. Citation:
European Union in US news release No. 88/01 (November 20, 2001) [money
laundering directive]; 2001 O.J. of European Communities (C 332E), 300, 305 (27
November 2001) [proposed framework on combating terrorism & extradition
procedures]; 2002 O.J. of European Communities (L 344) 70, 83, 90, December 28,
2001 [Regulation 2580/2001, Decision 2001/927/EC, Common Position 2001/930/CFSP].
**** Mr. William B. Blanchard (“Bill Blanchard”) is a Real Estate Attorney with offices in St. Charles and Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Bill specializes in representing real estate clients for purchases and sales as well as home owner real estate tax assessment appeals. Mr. Blanchard is General Counsel for Gaia Title, Inc. a title insurance agency and settlement services provider. The Company is owned by real estate attorneys who demand exemplary title insurance services and accurate and efficient settlement services. As General Counsel he is responsible for title examination, commitment and policy review, escrow settlement supervision and regulatory review. - Attorney Profile: https://solomonlawguild.com/william-b-blanchard%2C-esq - Attorney News: https://attorneygazette.com/william-blanchard%2C-esq#40b43d7b-94b2-48d3-b055-1979a636f1e7
