Politicians from more than 50 countries are gathering in The Hague for a summit on counterterrorism on Monday.

The meeting, organised by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), will discuss issues including intelligence sharing, preventing jihadist recruits from travelling to Syria and the protection of civilians, NOS reported.

The Netherlands is co-chair of the GCTF along with Turkey. The organisation was set up in 2011 on the initiative of the US government as a meeting point for counterintelligence experts from around the world.

Borders

Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders (pictured) said yesterday that he wanted to make it easier to block terrorists’ access to finances across borders. ‘We can’t have a situation where someone who cannot get money in Sittard is able to do so 500 metres over the German border,’ he said.

Koenders warned that terrorism was becoming increasingly multi-national, with growing numbers of people travelling abroad to join terrorist organisations. ‘It’s like a virus that keeps adapting,’ he said.

Koenders will also urge the 250 delegates to work more closely together on preventive measures and deradicalisation programmes.

The government published figures at the weekend showing that the number of people and organisations on the national terrorism watch list has doubled in the last year. The list now comprises 39 individuals and three organisations.