Conclusions of the Council of the European Union and of the Member States meeting within the Council on Counter-Terrorism underline the importance of, inter alia:

1. Finalize and ambitious EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) before the end of 2015, which should include internal flights within its scope and provide for a data retention period.

2. Strengthen controls of external borders:

• immediately implementing “necessary systematic and coordinated checks at external borders, including on individuals enjoying the right of free movement”.
• upgrading Schengen Member States' border control systems by March 2016
• in the context of the current migration crisis, carrying out a systematic registration, including fingerprinting of third-country nationals illegally entering the Schengen Area, whether migrants or applicants for international protection, and performing systematic security checks by using relevant databases
• strengthening the control at the external borders which are most exposed, by deploying when necessary rapid border intervention teams

3. Share information and step up law enforcement cooperation:

• systematically entering data on suspected foreign terrorist fighters into the SIS II
• speeding up full implementation and effective use of the Prüm acquis (interconnection and consultation of national databases on DNA, fingerprints and vehicle registration)

The Council and Members States also discussed:

•     Counter Terrorism;
•     Firearms;
•     Financing of terrorism;
•     Criminal justice response to terrorism and violent extremism;
•     Internal Security Fund.

For further information: Read Council of the EU Press Release on: Conclusions of the Council of the EU and of the Member States meeting within the Council on Counter-Terrorism