Brussels, 22/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - According to a press release, MEPs meeting in Strasbourg adopted the report by Rita Borsalino (S&D, Italy) on 22 May, which emphasises that fundamental rights should be respected in all instances when applying the EU's Internal Security Strategy (ISS).
This European strategy was presented in November 2010 by the Commission and includes a series of initiatives on terrorism, cybercrime and border management. Each aspect in these initiatives should fully respect European and international standards on human rights, explained MEPs.
In their resolution adopted by 503 votes in favour (55 against, with 56 abstentions), MEPs underlined the priorities that should be followed in the European strategy. The struggle against terrorism and organised crime, including the fight against the Mafia, white collar crime, tax evasion and corruption, should therefore remain the “key priority”, emphasise MEPs, with particular attention paid to the freezing of terrorism suspects' assets.
Member states should at the same time introduce effective legislation to help the victims of acts of terrorism and develop mechanisms for the early detection of radicalisation.
On the issue of border management, MEPs pointed out that the EU should cooperate more closely with third countries and help them at economic, social and democratic levels. They also stressed in their text the importance of having sufficient financial resources in the 2014-2020 financial framework for carrying out the strategy. (SP/transl.fl)