The paper answers the question, how EU counterterrorism policies and the implementation of the EUROPOL Information System after the Madrid Bombing 2004 can be explained using the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF). It examines which factors put the policies on the agenda and which factors made implementation difficult as quickly as possible.
The structuring of this work will take place as follows: After the introduction, the applied theory will be briefly presented and illustrated. Here I will go into the individual streams in the form of Problem, Policy and Politics Stream, then the focus will be on the Policy Entrepreneur. In chapter three, EUROPOL and the Information System are briefly presented, since knowledge about them can become important for the following part and especially for Policy Stream. Chapter four focuses on the application of the Multiple Streams approach and attempts to explain the counterterrorism strategy of the EU and its way onto the agenda. Of course, I will return to the 3 streams already mentioned and then round off the chapter with the combination of these three. This is followed by the conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Multiple Streams Framework
2.1 Problem Stream
2.2 Policy Stream
2.3 Politics Stream
2.4 Policy Entrepreneurs
3. The EUROPOL Information System (EIS)
4. Analysis
4.1 Problem Stream
4.2 Politics Stream
4.3 Policy Stream
4.4 Combining the three Streams
5. Conclusion
Research Objective and Core Topics
This paper explores the evolution of EU counterterrorism strategies following the 2004 Madrid bombings, specifically focusing on the implementation of the EUROPOL Information System (EIS). It applies John W. Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework to investigate how crisis events catalyze political action and the subsequent agenda-setting processes within the European Union.
- Application of the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) in an EU security context.
- Analysis of the Madrid bombings as a "Focusing Event" in the Problem Stream.
- Evaluation of the political discourse and policy shifts within the EU.
- Examination of the technical and normative aspects of the EUROPOL Information System (EIS).
Excerpt from the Book
4.1 Problem Stream
Not least thanks to the attacks of the 11 September 2001, the fight against terrorism is a much-discussed topic in the EU and in society. Almost 3000 people lost their lives in and around the Twin Towers. It was not only because of the attack that the debate on anti-terrorism and security was rekindled and expanded. In 2004, the EU’s focus shifted even further towards antiterrorism. On 11 March, several explosives were detonated in trains in Madrid. More than 190 people died, and several were injured. It is considered to be one of the worst attacks in Europe to date and was the cornerstone for a series of terrorist attacks throughout Europe. Islamist terror has arrived in Europe and now also been perceived as a problem within the EU (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, 2004). Madrid 2004 was just the starting point of a series of terrorist attacks throughout Europe. Examples include the subway attacks in London in 2005, the attack on the Charlie Hebdo headquarters in Paris in 2015, Copenhagen in 2016 and the truck attack in Nice in 2016 (Goertz, 2018: 15). It had long been clear that Islamist terror had also arrived in Europe, so it required a rethink in line with anti-terror policy. The Madrid attack is the “Focusing Event” that led to a change in the EU’s anti-terrorism policy. The attacks showed that the government cannot offer its citizens enough protection against terroristic groups. A rethink was necessary.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of terrorism, the necessity for EU cooperation, and the methodological approach using the Multiple Streams Framework.
2. The Multiple Streams Framework: Introduces the theoretical foundation of the work, describing how policy agendas emerge through the interaction of the Problem, Policy, and Politics Streams.
3. The EUROPOL Information System (EIS): Provides an overview of EUROPOL’s institutional design and the specific function of the EIS as a data-sharing tool for law enforcement.
4. Analysis: Examines how the Madrid bombings functioned as a catalyst, triggering policy changes, political shifts, and the integration of the EIS into the European security agenda.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings and discusses the applicability of the Multiple Streams Framework to the emergence of counterterrorism policies.
Keywords
Counterterrorism, European Union, Madrid Bombings, Multiple Streams Framework, EUROPOL, Information System, Policy Window, Security, Policy Entrepreneurs, Terrorism, Data Protection, Agenda Setting, Crisis Management, Political Discourse, Law Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the development and implementation of EU counterterrorism policies, particularly the EUROPOL Information System, in the wake of the 2004 Madrid train bombings.
Which theoretical framework is utilized in this study?
The research employs John W. Kingdon’s "Multiple Streams Framework" (MSF) to analyze the policy-making processes within the EU.
What is the central research question?
The study asks how EU counterterrorism policies and the implementation of the EUROPOL Information System after the 2004 Madrid Bombings can be explained using the Multiple Streams Framework.
What role does the Madrid bombing play in the analysis?
It is classified as a "Focusing Event," which disrupted the existing status quo and opened a "Policy Window" for rapid legislative action on counterterrorism.
How is the EUROPOL Information System described?
The EIS is presented as a crucial data-sharing database that allows member states to exchange information on criminals and suspicious individuals to enhance cross-border security.
What are the three streams within the MSF applied here?
The study applies the Problem Stream (the threat of terrorism), the Policy Stream (potential technical solutions like the EIS), and the Politics Stream (public opinion and government agendas).
What concerns does the author raise regarding the EIS?
The author highlights significant data protection concerns and the risk of placing innocent individuals under "general suspicion" due to the storage of data on those "potentially" involved in crimes.
Who is identified as a likely Policy Entrepreneur in this process?
Gijs de Vries, the first EU counterterrorism coordinator, is identified as the key figure acting as a Policy Entrepreneur to advance these security reforms.
- Citar trabajo
- Julian Apel (Autor), 2019, The strengthening of EU-counterterrorism in periods of crisis after the Madrid Bombings 2004, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/950824
