ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the role and limitations of strategy in European Union (EU) cooperation related to terrorism and transnational crime. It argues that a proper assessment of strategy in this field, in particular, the Internal Security Strategy (ISS), requires a broad perspective that encompasses the wider political, institutional and strategic context of cooperation in the field of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. Discussion of EU strategy in the area of terrorism and transnational crime, therefore, cannot ignore previous developments, including converging threat perceptions, discourses legitimising internal security cooperation in Europe, and a slew of issue-specific strategies. More recent developments of Standing Committee on International Security (COSI) and the so-called Policy Cycle may improve operational cooperation, but remain detached from the strategic framework of the ISS. The mobilisation of financial resources for the attainment of internal security objectives has grown substantially in recent years.
