Advanced search Help
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [July 31, 2014]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union, a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely, a common trade policy, and a common agricultural policy. Eighteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-07-31
-
U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia [August 7, 2014]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) have pursued similar policies in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Both have provided additional financial aid to bolster Ukraine's political transition, condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, and called for Russia to end its support of separatists in eastern and southern Ukraine. The United States and the EU have taken steps to isolate Russia diplomatically and imposed several rounds of sanctions in an effort to change Moscow's behavior and bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (For background, see CRS Report RL33460, 'Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy,' by Steven Woehrel.) At the same time, some U.S.-EU tensions have been evident as the two sides have grappled with how best to respond to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Frictions have been perhaps most pronounced on the issue of sanctions. Between March and early July 2014, the EU and the United States announced visa bans and asset freezes on several dozen Russians and Ukrainians. In contrast to the United States, however, the EU did not sanction members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'inner circle' or key firms or banks associated with them due to concerns about antagonizing Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2014-08-07
-
U.S. Congress and the European Parliament: Evolving Transatlantic Legislative Cooperation [June 7, 2011]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) share an extensive, dynamic, and for many a mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. A growing element of that relationship is the role that the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament (EP)--a key EU institution--have begun to play, including in areas ranging from foreign and economic policy to regulatory reform. Consequently, some officials and experts on both sides of the Atlantic have asked whether it would be beneficial for Congress and the EP to strengthen institutional ties further and to explore the possibility of coordinating efforts to develop more complementary policies in some areas. […] While there appears to be no formal opposition within Congress to increasing contacts with the European Parliament, some point out that with the exception of a few Members with previous experience in the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD), Congress as a whole has been seen at best ambivalent to such efforts and has not demonstrated as much enthusiasm as the EP about forging closer relations. This observation had been noted by the EP itself since the beginning of the 112th Congress given that neither the new Chair nor the Vice-Chair of the USTLD were announced until early June. This report provides background on the Congress--EP relationship and the role of the TLD. It also explores potential future options should an effort to strengthen ties between the two bodies gain momentum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2011-06-07
-
Russia and the Terror War
This Naval War College Point Paper was prepared in response to the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. The Naval War College commissioned more than thirty papers addressing strategy and policy, operational concepts, and national security decision making related to the terror war. These papers were intended as contributions to U.S. national security policy deliberations, and to assist the U.S. Navy as it planned its response to future terrorist threats. The purpose of this Point Paper was "to explore Russia's contribution to the war against terror." It provides a brief background and discusses the diplomatic, intelligence, and military capabilities that Russia is providing.
Navy Warfare Development Command (U.S.)
Goldstein, Lyle
2001-12-11
-
NATO and the European Union [January 4, 2005]
"Since the end of the Cold War, both NATO and the European Union (EU) have evolved along with Europe's changed strategic landscape. While NATO's collective defense guarantee remains at the core of the alliance, members have also sought to redefine its mission as new security challenges have emerged on Europe's periphery and beyond. At the same time, EU members have taken steps toward political integration with decisions to develop a common foreign policy and a defense arm to improve EU member states' abilities to manage security crises, such as those that engulfed the Balkans in the 1990s. […] This report addresses several questions central to the debate over European security and the future of the broader transatlantic relationship. These include: What are the specific security missions of NATO and the European Union, and what is the appropriate relationship between the two organizations? What types of military forces are necessary for NATO's role in collective defense, and for the EU's role in crisis management? Are NATO and EU decision-making structures and procedures appropriate and compatible to ensure that there is an adequate and timely response to emerging threats? What is the proper balance between political and military tools for defending Europe and the United States from terrorism and weapons proliferation? This report will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS Report RS21864, 'The NATO Summit at Istanbul, 2004', by Paul Gallis, and CRS Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Gallis, Paul E.
2005-01-04
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated March 7, 2005]
From the Summary: "On May 1, 2004, 10 states joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. The EU views the enlargement process as an historic opportunity to promote stability in Europe and further the integration of the continent by peaceful means. In addition to the 10 new members (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), Bulgaria and Romania hope to accede to the EU by 2007. Turkey and Croatia are expected to begin accession negotiations in 2005 provided they fulfill certain political conditions. Macedonia has also applied for EU membership. This report will be updated as necessary. For additional information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', and CRS Report RL32071, 'Turkey: Update on Selected Issues'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-03-07
-
United States and Europe: Current Issues [November 21, 2006]
"The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history. Both sides of the Atlantic face a common set of international concerns, have few other comparable partners, and share a deep economic relationship. Despite much improvement in overall relations since the debate over Iraq policy, several foreign policy and trade disputes remain. This report examines the current state of the transatlantic relationship and key issues that may have implications for U.S. interests. It will be updated as events warrant. Also see CRS Report RL32577, 'The United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2006-11-21
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated December 27, 2005]
From the Summary: "On May 1, 2004, 10 states joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. The EU views the enlargement process as a historic opportunity to promote stability and prosperity in Europe. In addition to the 10 new members (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), Bulgaria and Romania hope to accede to the EU in 2007. Turkey and Croatia began accession negotiations in October 2005. Macedonia was named as a candidate for EU membership in December 2005. This report will be updated as necessary. For additional information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', by Kristin Archick, and CRS Report RL32071, 'Turkey: Update on Selected Issues', by Carol Migdalovitz."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-12-27
-
U.S.-E.U. Cooperation Against Terrorism [Updated October 16, 2006]
From the Summary: "The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to improve law enforcement cooperation against terrorism both among its 25 member states and with the United States. Washington has largely welcomed these efforts, recognizing that they may help root out terrorist cells and prevent future attacks. However, the United States and the EU continue to face several challenges as they seek to promote closer cooperation in the police, judicial, and border control fields. This report will be updated as needed. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Services] Report RL31509, 'Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2006-10-16
-
European Union's 'Constitution' [March 7, 2005]
From the Document: "In June 2004, the European Union (EU) concluded work on a constitutional treaty that contains changes to the EU's governing institutions and decision-making processes. This new 'constitution' grew out of the 2002-2003 Convention on the Future of Europe and previous EU efforts to institute internal reforms ahead of the Union's expansion from 15 members to 25 in May 2004. The 'constitution' aims to enable a larger EU to operate effectively and prevent gridlock, but it must still be ratified by all member states before it enters into force. This report provides background information on the Convention and describes the EU 'constitution,' its key provisions, next steps, and possible implications for the U.S.-EU relationship. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers', and CRS Report RS21344, 'European Union Enlargement'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-03-07
-
European Union in 2005 and Beyond [Updated March 7, 2005]
From the Summary: "The European Union (EU) experienced significant changes in 2004 as it enlarged from 15 to 25 members and continued work on a new constitutional treaty to institute internal reforms and further EU political integration. In 2005, the EU is expected to build on these efforts and seek to implement several recent foreign policy and defense initiatives. This report describes the current status of the EU's 'constitution,' EU enlargement, the EU's evolving foreign and defense policies, and possible implications for U.S.-EU relations. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-03-07
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [Updated March 7, 2005]
From the Summary: "This report provides answers to key questions related to the European Union (EU). It describes the EU's evolution, its governing institutions, trade policy, and efforts to forge common foreign and defense policies. The report also addresses the EU-U.S. and EU-NATO relationships. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21344, 'European Union Enlargement', and CRS Issue Brief IB10087, 'U.S.-European Union Trade Relations: Issues and Policy Challenges'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-03-07
-
Northern Ireland: The Peace Process [September 27, 2006]
"For years, the British and Irish governments have sought to facilitate a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Northern Ireland. After many ups and downs, the two governments and the parties participating in the peace talks announced an agreement on April 10, 1998. The implementation of the resulting Good Friday Agreement continues to be difficult. A political stalemate in Northern Ireland since 2002 has halted the peace process and forced London to suspend the devolved government and to resume governance of the province. British and Irish leaders have set a November 24, 2006, deadline to revive talks on governance in Northern Ireland. This report will be updated as events warrant. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21692, 'Northern Ireland: The 2003 Election', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2006-09-27
-
European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty [February 22, 2010]
From the Document: "The Lisbon Treaty, the latest institutional reform treaty of the European Union (EU), went into effect on December 1, 2009. The document was signed by the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member countries in December 2007. The process of completing ratification by each individual member country lasted nearly two years, concluding with ratification by the Czech Republic on November 3, 2009. The Lisbon Treaty reforms the EU's governing institutions and decision-making process to enable the EU to operate more effectively. The treaty grew out of the proposed 'constitutional treaty' that foundered after French and Dutch voters rejected it in referendums in 2005. The Lisbon Treaty seeks to give the EU a stronger and more coherent voice with the creation of a new position, President of the European Council. The first holder of this office will be former Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy. He will chair the activities of the 27 EU heads of state or government, working to facilitate consensus, coordinate the activities of the Council, and ensure policy continuity. Additionally, the Lisbon Treaty creates the new position of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a de facto EU foreign minister who may increase the weight and visibility of the EU on the world stage. […] This report provides information on the Lisbon Treaty and possible U.S.-EU implications that may be of interest to the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2010-02-22
-
European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty [November 9, 2009]
From the Document: "In December 2007, leaders of the European Union (EU) signed the Lisbon Treaty. With the completion of ratification by the Czech Republic on November 3, 2009, all 27 EU member countries have ratified the document, and it is expected to come into force on December 1, 2009. The Lisbon Treaty reforms the EU's governing institutions and decision-making process to enable the EU to operate more effectively. The treaty grew out of the proposed 'constitutional treaty' that foundered after French and Dutch voters rejected it in referendums in 2005. The Lisbon Treaty seeks to give the EU a stronger and more coherent voice with the creation of a new position, President of the European Council. This individual will chair the activities of the 27 EU heads of state or government, working to facilitate consensus and ensure policy continuity, guide the strategic direction of policy-making, and give the EU greater visibility on the world stage. Additionally, the Lisbon Treaty creates the new position of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a 'de facto' EU foreign minister who would be supported by a new EU diplomatic service. […] This report provides information on the Lisbon Treaty and possible U.S.-EU implications that may be of interest to the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2009-11-09
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated May 2, 2005]
"On May 1, 2004, 10 states joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. The EU views the enlargement process as an historic opportunity to promote stability in Europe and further the integration of the continent by peaceful means. In addition to the 10 new members (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), Bulgaria and Romania hope to accede to the EU in 2007. Turkey and Croatia are expected to begin accession negotiations in 2005 provided they fulfill certain political conditions. Macedonia has also applied for EU membership. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-05-02
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated December 22, 2004]
"On May 1, 2004, 10 states joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. The EU views the enlargement process as an historic opportunity to promote stability in Europe and further the integration of the continent by peaceful means. In addition to the 10 new members (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), three other states -- Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia -- hope to accede to the EU by 2007. Turkey is also a candidate and is expected to begin accession negotiations in 2005. Macedonia has also applied for EU membership. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2004-12-22
-
European Union in 2005 and Beyond [Updated July 11, 2005]
"The European Union (EU) has experienced significant changes over the last few years. The EU has enlarged from 15 to 25 members and has been working to implement a new constitutional treaty to institute internal reforms and further political integration. The EU has also taken steps toward developing a common foreign policy and defense arm. This report describes the current status of the EU's constitutional treaty, EU enlargement, the EU's evolving foreign and defense policies, and possible implications for U.S.-EU relations. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-07-11
-
European Union in 2005 and Beyond [Updated June 10, 2005]
"The European Union (EU) experienced significant changes in 2004 as it enlarged from 15 to 25 members and continued work on a new constitutional treaty to institute internal reforms and further EU political integration. In 2005, the EU is expected to build on these efforts and seek to implement several recent foreign policy and defense initiatives. This report describes the current status of the EU's constitutional treaty, EU enlargement, the EU's evolving foreign and defense policies, and possible implications for U.S.-EU relations. It will be updated as events warrant. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-06-10
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated April 6, 2006]
"On May 1, 2004, 10 states joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. The EU views the enlargement process as a historic opportunity to promote stability and prosperity in Europe. In addition to the 10 new members (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), Bulgaria and Romania hope to accede to the EU in 2007. Turkey and Croatia began accession negotiations in October 2005. Macedonia was named as a candidate for EU membership in December 2005. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2006-04-06
-
European Union's Constitution [Updated April 6, 2006]
From the Document: "In June 2004, the European Union (EU) concluded work on a constitutional treaty that contains changes to the EU's governing institutions and decision-making processes. Commonly referred to as the 'constitution,' this new treaty aims to institute internal reforms to enable a larger EU to operate effectively and prevent gridlock, but it must be ratified by all member states to enter into force. The future of the EU's constitution, however, has been thrown in doubt after French and Dutch voters rejected it in separate referenda in May and June 2005. This report provides background information on the constitution, its key provisions, the current crisis, and possible implications for U.S.-EU relations. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2006-04-06
-
European Union Enlargement [Updated October 25, 2006]
"The EU views the enlargement process as a historic opportunity to promote stability and prosperity in Europe. On May 1, 2004, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the European Union (EU), enlarging the Union to 25 members. In January 2007, Bulgaria and Romania are to formally enter the EU. Turkey and Croatia began accession negotiations in October 2005. Macedonia was named as a candidate for EU membership in December 2005. This report will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2006-10-25
-
U.S. Congress and the European Parliament: Evolving Transatlantic Legislative Cooperation [July 29, 2013]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) share an extensive, dynamic, and mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. A growing element of that relationship is the role that the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament (EP)--a key EU institution--have begun to play, including in areas ranging from foreign and economic policy to regulatory reform. Proponents of establishing closer relations between the U.S. Congress and the EP point to the Parliament's growing influence as a result of the EU's 2009 Lisbon Treaty which increased the relative power of the EP within the EU, and in some cases, with significant implications for U.S. interests. Consequently, some officials and experts on both sides of the Atlantic have asked whether it would be beneficial for Congress and the EP to strengthen institutional ties further and to explore the possibility of coordinating efforts to develop more complementary approaches to policies in areas of mutual interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2013-07-29
-
U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [September 4, 2013]
"The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the subsequent revelation of Al Qaeda cells in Europe gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to combat terrorism and improve police, judicial, and intelligence cooperation among its member states. Other deadly incidents in Europe, such as the Madrid and London bombings in 2004 and 2005 respectively, injected further urgency into strengthening EU counterterrorism capabilities and reducing barriers among national law enforcement authorities so that information could be meaningfully shared and suspects apprehended expeditiously. Among other steps, the EU has established a common definition of terrorism and a common list of terrorist groups, an EU arrest warrant, enhanced tools to stem terrorist financing, and new measures to strengthen external EU border controls and improve aviation security."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2013-09-04
-
European Union: Questions and Answers [January 15, 2014]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union, a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely, a common trade policy, and a common agricultural policy. Eighteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures. […] Data privacy also continues to be a sticking point, especially following the recent allegations of U.S. surveillance activities in Europe. This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 113th Congress. For more information, also see CRS Report RS22163, 'The United States and Europe: Current Issues', by Derek E. Mix."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-01-15
-
U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [Updated April 13, 2005]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to improve law enforcement cooperation against terrorism both among its 25 member states and with the United States. Washington has largely welcomed these efforts, recognizing that they may help root out terrorist cells and prevent future attacks. However, the United States and the EU continue to face several challenges as they seek to promote closer cooperation in the police, judicial, and border control fields. This report will be updated as needed. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31509, 'Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-04-13
-
European Views and Policies Toward the Middle East [Updated December 21, 2005]
"Managing policy differences on a range of issues emanating from the Middle East poses serious challenges for the United States and its European allies and friends. The most vitriolic dispute has centered on the conflict in Iraq. However, divisions over how best to approach the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, manage Iran and Syria, and combat terrorism also persist. The Bush Administration and Members of Congress are concerned that continued disagreements between the two sides of the Atlantic could both constrain U.S. policy choices in the region and erode the broader transatlantic relationship and counterterrorism cooperation over the longer term. The U.S.-initiated Broader Middle East and North Africa partnership project seeks to encourage reforms in the region and U.S.-European cooperation in tackling Mideast problems. This initiative was welcomed by the 9/11 Commission, which recommended that the United States 'should engage other nations in developing a comprehensive coalition strategy against Islamist terrorism.' The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458) contains elements that seek to promote Middle East development and reform and enhance international cooperation against terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-12-21
-
United States and Europe: Possible Options for U.S. Policy [Updated January 23, 2006]
"The United States and Europe share a long and intertwined history, replete with many ups and downs. The modern transatlantic relationship was forged in the aftermath of World War II to deter the Soviet threat and to promote security and stability in Europe. NATO and the European Union (EU), the latest stage in a process of European integration begun in the 1950s, are the two key pillars upon which the U.S.-European partnership still rests. The U.S. Congress and successive U.S. administrations have supported both organizations as means to nourish democracy, foster reliable military allies, and create strong trading partners...This report assesses the present state of the U.S.-European relationship and the reasons for current frictions. To stimulate debate and for the purposes of analysis, it also offers a spectrum of possible options for U.S. policymakers in considering the future shape of the political and strategic dimensions of the transatlantic partnership. These selected options should be viewed as illustrative guideposts, however, rather than definitive, exhaustive predictions or stark choices."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2006-01-23
-
Islamist Extremism in Europe [Updated March 13, 2007]
"Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. UK authorities have named four British Muslims as the perpetrators of the July 2005 terrorist attacks on London; in August 2006, British law enforcement arrested several British Muslims suspected of plotting to blow up airliners flying from the UK to the United States. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Woehrel, Steven J.; Rollins, John
2007-03-13
-
Northern Ireland: The Peace Process [February 18, 2011]
"Since 1969, over 3,500 people have died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. The conflict, which has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland, has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. The Protestant majority (53%) in Northern Ireland defines itself as British and largely supports continued incorporation in the UK (unionists). The Catholic minority (44%) considers itself Irish, and many Catholics desire a united Ireland (nationalists). For years, the British and Irish governments sought to facilitate a political settlement. After many ups and downs, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in the peace talks announced an agreement on April 10, 1998. The resulting Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) called for devolved government--the transfer of power from London to Belfast--with a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee in which unionist and nationalist parties would share power. The agreement also contained provisions on decommissioning (disarmament), policing, human rights, UK security normalization (demilitarization), and the status of prisoners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2011-02-18
