Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria has been actively involved in counter-terrorism efforts, both within the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN). As part of the EU, Austria contributes to improving cooperation and information exchange between police and judicial authorities, tackling terrorism financing, and managing the consequences of potential attacks. Additionally, Austria plays a role in the Global Coalition against Daesh and its supplementary Africa Focus Group, focusing on stabilization and development in regions impacted by ISIS-affiliated groups. Following a terrorist attack in Vienna in 2020, Austria proposed an Anti-Terrorism Act, which sparked debates about balancing national security and human rights, including freedom of religion and expression.
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What You'll Learn
Austria's commitment to the Global Coalition against Daesh
Austria is a member of the Global Coalition against Daesh, which was founded by the USA in 2014 and consists of 85 states and organisations. Austria's primary involvement in this coalition is in the area of "stabilisation". This includes supporting the development of state infrastructure in areas liberated by the so-called Islamic State, as well as countering the strong expansion of various ISIS-affiliated groups in Africa through the "Africa Focus Group".
As part of its commitment to counter-terrorism, Austria contributes to the EU's training and civil crisis management programmes. Austria is also dedicated to ensuring that national authorities take action to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force, Austria plays a significant role in developing international standards to counter the financing of terrorism.
Austria's involvement in the Global Coalition against Daesh aligns with the UN's anti-terror strategy, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 2006. This strategy provides a common framework for UN member states' activities in counter-terrorism. In addition, a separate UN office for counter-terrorism (UNOCT) was established in 2017 to unite previous staff units and develop strategic targets.
Austria's participation in the Global Coalition against Daesh demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. By contributing to stabilisation efforts and countering the expansion of ISIS-affiliated groups, Austria plays an important role in the coalition's activities.
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Anti-terrorism laws and human rights
Austria has been an active participant in international counter-terrorism efforts. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force, Austria helps develop international standards to counter the financing of terrorism. It is also a part of the Global Coalition against Daesh, contributing to the stabilisation of areas liberated by the so-called Islamic State.
In the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Vienna in November 2020, a new draft "Anti-Terrorism Act" was submitted to the Austrian parliament in December 2020. This draft law raised concerns among human rights organisations as it was believed to potentially conflict with international and European human rights standards, including the freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of association. The formulation and application of Articles 18 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and Articles 10 and 11 of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU CFR) were specifically mentioned as potentially conflicting with the draft law's provisions.
The Austrian government, however, has emphasised that the respect for human rights and the upholding of human rights safeguards are guiding principles in drafting new counter-terrorism legislation. For instance, the 2019 Protection against Violence Act introduced significant improvements in victim protection and preventive measures. Additionally, Austria has focused on providing human rights training courses for law enforcement, judiciary, and penitentiary personnel. Over 2,600 judicial guard officers and 26,000 employees of the Ministry of the Interior have received training since 2012, addressing various forms of discrimination, including racism, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia.
Austria has also established a National Network for Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism and De-radicalisation, developing a national de-radicalisation strategy. The Counter-Terrorism Act amendments introduced in 2021 and 2022 included measures to prevent the spread of terrorist ideas, reflecting the country's commitment to addressing the root causes of radicalisation and terrorism recruitment.
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Cooperation with the EU on counter-terrorism
Austria has been an active participant in the EU's counter-terrorism initiatives. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force, the country plays a significant role in setting international standards to counter terrorism financing. This includes a strong commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing within its borders.
Austria also contributes to the EU's training and civil crisis management programs. The country is dedicated to aiding the development of state infrastructure in areas previously under the control of the so-called Islamic State, as well as addressing the issue of "Foreign Terrorist Fighters." This commitment to stabilization is further demonstrated by Austria's involvement in the Global Coalition against Daesh, where it primarily focuses on stabilization efforts.
Following the deadly 2020 Vienna terrorist attack, Austria's Ministry of Interior proposed a new "Anti-Terrorism Act" to the Austrian parliament in December 2020. While this draft law aims to contribute to the implementation of EU rules on counter-terrorism, money laundering, and terrorist financing, it has also raised concerns about its alignment with international and European human rights standards, specifically regarding freedom of religion, expression, and association.
Austria's cooperation with the EU on counter-terrorism extends beyond its own borders. As a member of the UN, Austria supports the global fight against terrorism through the adoption of a common strategic framework for UN member states' activities in this field. The establishment of the UNOCT in 2017 and the dedication of a branch of the Vienna-based UNODC to counter-terrorism further highlight Austria's support for international collaboration against terrorism.
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Depriving terrorists of financial means
Austria is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global policy-making body that develops and promotes policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. As a member, Austria contributes to the development of international standards and strategies to counter the financing of terrorism. The Austrian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a key component in countering terrorist financing, is a member of the Egmont Group, a global network of financial intelligence units that facilitates secure information sharing and cooperation.
Austrian legislation has been strengthened to close loopholes and tighten restrictions on terrorism financing. The country has implemented the EU Directive on Combating Terrorism and the UN's International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. This legislation ensures legal counsel for terror victims and criminalizes "travel for terrorism purposes" with prison sentences ranging from six months to five years.
In addition to legislative measures, Austria has taken a comprehensive approach to countering terrorist financing by increasing resources for law enforcement and justice authorities. The 2021 counterterrorism legislation provided more funding, staff, and legal tools to enhance the capabilities of these authorities in detecting, disrupting, and prosecuting terrorist financing activities. The legislation also expanded oversight of mosques and the financing of Muslim institutions, reflecting a broader focus on preventing the misuse of funds within these entities.
Austria's whole-of-government approach to countering terrorist financing involves cooperation between various agencies and international partners. U.S.-Austrian law enforcement cooperation, for example, has been strong, with joint investigative projects and enforcement operations contributing to the global effort to counter terrorist financing.
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Austria's role in the UN's counter-terrorism
Austria has been an active contributor to counter-terrorism efforts at the UN level. As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the country plays a significant role in developing international standards to counter the financing of terrorism. Austria is committed to ensuring that national authorities take stringent actions to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
The country has implemented UN Security Council resolutions on counterterrorism and the Global Counterterrorism Forum's Good Practices on addressing the challenge of returning families of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). Austrian law criminalizes "travel for terrorism purposes" with prison sentences ranging from six months to five years, demonstrating their commitment to deterring and punishing such acts.
Austria's counter-terrorism efforts are also focused on "Islamist extremism" and the potential for homegrown terrorism by "lone actors." They have rigorous processes to register and screen individuals applying for asylum, lawful residence, and citizenship, aiming to identify potential security risks. Additionally, Austria contributes to the EU's training and civil crisis management programs within the framework of counter-terrorism.
Furthermore, Austria has been an integral part of the Global Coalition against Daesh, founded by the USA in 2014, consisting of 85 states and organizations. Austria's primary involvement in this coalition is in the area of "stabilization," supporting the development of state infrastructure in areas liberated by the so-called Islamic State.
Overall, Austria's role in the UN's counter-terrorism efforts is characterized by its commitment to international cooperation, the implementation of stringent counter-terrorism laws, and active participation in various coalitions and initiatives aimed at combating terrorism globally.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is a member of the Financial Action Task Force and contributes to the development of international standards to counter the financing of terrorism. It is also a part of the Global Coalition against Daesh, primarily in the area of "stabilization".
Austria, as a member of the EU, prioritizes fighting the root causes of radicalization and terrorism recruitment. This includes improving practical cooperation and information exchange between police and judicial authorities, tackling terrorist financing, and depriving terrorists of the means to prepare and coordinate attacks.
Austria contributes to the EU's training and civil crisis management programs in the framework of counter-terrorism. It also aids in the development of state infrastructure in areas previously controlled by the Islamic State.
Following a deadly terrorist attack in Vienna in November 2020, Austria proposed an "Anti-Terrorism Act." However, concerns have been raised that the draft law may not align with international and European human rights standards regarding freedom of religion, expression, and association.
