Brussels, 14/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday 14 March approved the remit of the new special committee on organised crime, corruption and money laundering, which will analyse and evaluate their extent and impact in the EU. The committee will meet for the first time at the end of April and, during the 12 months of its term of office, will draft recommendations, following visits and hearings.
The committee will investigate infiltration of the EU's legal economy, public administration and financial systems by organised crime, a European Parliament (EP) press release states. MEPs will be able to invite judges, victims of organised crime and representatives of civil society organisations to take part in hearings. The committee will assess how well European legislation is being implemented and how well it addresses the problem. On 12 March a draft directive on the freezing and confiscation of the assets of criminal groups was brought forward. The committee will ensure EU law and policies are evidence-based and supported by the best available threat assessments, and will monitor their compatibility with fundamental rights. It will be made up of 45 members to be appointed at the next plenary session in Brussels on 28-29 March. (SP/transl.rt)