Bartjan Wegter to become the new EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator
Bartjan Wegter was appointed as the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator (EU CTC).
His five-year term will start on 1 March 2024. Mr Wegter succeeds Ilkka Salmi, who has held the office since October 2021.
Bartjan Wegter is a senior Dutch diplomat, who until his appointment as EU CTC served as Minister Plenipotentiary at the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to NATO. A graduate from Leyden University and the College of Europe, Mr Wegter held various multilateral and security related positions over the course of a diplomatic career spanning 25 years.
The EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator is in charge of coordinating counter-terrorism work within the EU, ensuring implementation and evaluation of the EU Counter-Terrorism strategy, integrating the internal and external aspects of the fight against terrorism and improving communication between the EU and third countries.
Background
In the wake of the terrorist attack in Madrid on 11 March 2004, the European Council decided to establish the position of EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.
The EU CTC helps advance EU efforts in combating terrorism. He briefs the Council and maintains an overview of all the instruments at the EU’s disposal with a view to reporting to the Council on a regular basis and ensuring an effective follow-up to Council decisions. His tasks also include:
- presenting policy recommendations and proposing priority areas for action to the Council;
- coordinating with the relevant preparatory bodies of the Council, as well as with the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the relevant EU bodies, offices and agencies;
- ensuring the EU plays an active role in the fight against terrorism;
- improving communication between the EU and third countries;
- integrating the internal and external aspects of the fight against terrorism.