Fears as EU policies link development aid to war on terror

IRISH aid agencies yesterday strongly criticised new EU anti-terror policies linking development assistance with the country’s record on fighting terror.

The policy, contained in the Declaration on Combating Terrorism, was signed off by EU leaders at a major summit in Brussels this week.

"We're deeply worried about it, especially that there should be a clause on effective counter-terrorism in all agreements with third countries," Dr Lorna Gold, policy analyst with Trócaire.