Brussels, 25/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament voted by a wide majority on Wednesday 25 November to pass the draft report on preventing radicalisation.
Twelve days after the Paris and St Denis terrorist attacks, MEPs stated in a non-binding resolution that “coordinated action by the member states and the EU to prevent radicalisation and fight against terrorism” is urgently needed. The resolution, drafted by Rachida Dati (EPP, France) sets out proposals for a strategy to tackle extremism, to be applied in particular in prisons, online and through schools and social inclusion (see EUROPE 11414).
MEPs were unable, in the preparation of this report, to disguise their divisions, in particular on the draft directive on a European PNR, authorising the transfer of air passenger data (see EUROPE 11435). The EPP Group again accused the S&D Group of seeking to water down proposals and to delay the process, an accusation hotly denied by the Social Democrats. The resolution restates Parliament's commitment to reach agreement on this issue before the end of the year, while stressing that it is just one tool among many.
The resolution that was passed lays emphasis, inter alia, on the exchange of information among member states. Parliament wants a blacklist to be set up of jihadists and terrorist suspects. It stresses, too, the need for a common definition of foreign fighters so that criminal proceedings can be brought against them when they return to the EU. All foreign fighters should be put under judicial control and, if necessary, placed in administrative detention on their return to Europe until due judicial prosecution takes place.
Parliament also underlines the need for compulsory and systematic controls at the EU's external borders. Information exchange between national law enforcement authorities and Europol must be stepped up, it says. MEPs propose that potential foreign fighters should have their passports confiscated and financial assets frozen to prevent them from leaving the EU. Parliament also wants to prevent the spread of violent extremism online and in prisons. In a measure that is causing debate among the member states, it calls for radicalised inmates separated from the other prisoners. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)