Brussels, 12/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament civil liberties committee (LIBE) adopted, on 12 April, a resolution placing emphasis on respect of fundamental rights when implementing the European internal security strategy (ISS), a press release states. This European strategy, presented in November 2010, provides for a series of initiatives to be taken to combat terrorism and cybercrime and to tackle border management. Each aspect should be fully in line with European and international standards on human rights, MEPs say.
In their resolution, MEPs underline the priorities that should be upheld by the European strategy. Counter-terrorism and the fight against organised crime should thus remain key priorities, MEPs say, paying particular attention to the freezing of funds of suspected terrorists. Member states should also introduce specific legislation guaranteeing adequate protection, support and recognition of victims of terrorism. They must also develop prevention mechanisms to ensure the early detection of violent radicalisation and threats.
On the subject of border management, MEPs point out in their resolution that the EU must be able to cooperate closely with third countries, helping them to develop not only economically but also socially and democratically. EU security imperatives must also be met, while respecting the achievements of the EU, and in particular the right to free movement through internal borders.
Inclusion of the protection of intellectual property rights in ISS strategy, as proposed by the Commission, is not justified however, MEPs say in their resolution. They underline in their text how important it is to have sufficient financial resources within the 2014-2020 framework to allow implementation of the strategy.
In a resolution adopted separately, MEPs also tackle criminal law in the EU and the possible European measures that can be taken in fields such as the protection of the EU's financial interests, the fight against counterfeiting of single currency, and the rules for data protection. Committee members wish to point out in the resolution the importance of complying with the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality, as well as several key concepts such as the presumption of innocence. (SP/transl.jl)