Seminar of the ATLAS network of European special intervention units
- from: 07.10.2008
- to: 09.10.2008
- In: Paris, Cercle National des Armées
The seminar, held in Paris from 7 to 9 October by the French Minister of the Interior, Overseas France and Territorial Communities, will bring together heads and officers of the special intervention units from the 27 Member States (from France: RAID and GIGN).
This seminar's main aim is to finalise the work conducted by different groups and, via a secure network, to pool the data and procedures established by the "ATLAS" network.
The ATLAS network is made up of special intervention units from Member States, and was set up following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 upon the initiative of the European Police Chiefs' Task Force. This body had previously been charged with improving coordination between Member States in the fight against terrorism by the European Council and the Justice and Home Affairs Council.
First, ATLAS drew up a cooperation agreement and created a communication network between the special units. Later on, the emphasis changed to operational cooperation.
Five working groups were set up: Ships, Aircraft, Buildings, Transport and Penetration. Each one of these groups works to make the intervention of the special units more effective. The French police unit RAID (Research, Assist, Intervene, Dissuade) managed the 'Transport' group.
- Updated: 23.12.2008
