Terror in Europe "Security Is Going to Be Stricter"
SPIEGEL: Mr. Schäuble, during the past several days, European airports have been thrown into chaos. Will the terrorist threat change the face of air travel?
Schäuble: We have to live with the fact that security is going to be stricter for the foreseeable future. Checked bags and suitcases are already x-rayed in a very efficient manner. Our concern right now is carry-on luggage. If a mere 200 milliliters of a dangerous substance are enough to cause an explosion, a closer investigation is inevitable, as is the random sampling of passengers.
SPIEGEL: Frequent fliers know that controls are sometimes stricter and at other times they are laxer -- doesn't that need to change?
Schäuble: In light of the current threats, we in Europe need to come up with a unified reaction -- meaning all airports should adhere to the same security standards. That's the only way we can prevent terrorists from seeking out the weakest points. I just spoke about that with my Finnish colleague, whose country currently holds the EU presidency. But we shouldn't fool ourselves: there will always be holes in the system.
SPIEGEL: Have the events in London changed the security situation in Germany?
Schäuble: They haven't so far. We were serious about safety before London, but even afterwards we will not sacrifice the right to freedom in our country on the altar of an exaggerated perception of threats. Nevertheless, we should move quickly to pass the Sea Security Law, which will regulate defenses against water-based attacks. We are insufficiently prepared for terrorist attacks that could come by ship or through our ports, which process many thousands of containers everyday.
