As the Minister currently holding the presidency of the EU Council of Ministers of the Interior, Minister Aleš Hojs welcomed the participants of the colloquium. "Security is one of the fundamental human rights that directly affects the quality of our lives." Terrorism remains one of the biggest and thus primary threats to global, regional and national security. "Despite all global efforts invested in its prevention, terrorism remains a phenomenon of sorts. Not because of its sometimes sophisticated forms, but due to its high adaptability and capacity to misuse online platforms." Minister also pointed out that digitalisation and artificial intelligence should not pose a threat to our rights, but serve as efficient tools law enforcement authorities can use to address threats, including terrorism and radicalisation. "This is why we need to be brave and ambitious with digital files and stronger mandate for Europol," the Minister underlined, highlighting a priority of our Presidency of the Council of the EU in the field of EU's internal security. 

"We will only succeed in fighting terrorism through closer cooperation and facilitation of timely and adequately secure exchange of information. Interoperability of our existing systems can be of great help in this sense." Minister added.

He concluded his address by adding that political coordination within EU and on a wider scale, where EU counter terrorism coordinator plays a crucial role, is essential in combating terrorism. On this note, the Minister took the occasion and thanked the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove, whose mandate expires shortly, for his valuable contribution and service.