At its plenary session on Tuesday 26 November, the European Commission presented a declaration on prison conditions in the European Union, highlighting serious malfunctions and alarming overcrowding in many Member States.
The European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, pointed out that although the management of prisons is a national responsibility, Member States must ensure that “conditions of detention do not lead to violations of fundamental rights”, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
The Commissioner believes that the introduction of common standards at European level is essential to remedy these problems. She pointed out that the recommendation adopted in 2022 sets minimum standards (https://aeur.eu/f/ei1 ) such as cell size, access to care and individual cell confinement.
These measures also aim to “facilitate the work of judicial authorities in the context of European cooperation, as with the European arrest warrant”. However, Ms Dalli regretted that some Member States had not yet provided feedback on the implementation of these measures, although this was expected in October.
She also mentioned the importance of rehabilitation initiatives, such as the experiments with “small detention units” promoted by the Belgian Presidency of the Council last June.
A persistent overcrowding crisis. Prison overcrowding has been strongly criticised by several MEPs. Salvatore De Meo (EPP, Italian) felt that this situation “aggravates tensions, compromises rehabilitation programmes and increases the risk of suicides”, calling for a European strategy to “restore humanity to the prison system”.
Saskia Bricmont (Greens/EFA, Belgian) added that occupancy rates exceeded 100% in twelve Member States, sometimes reaching 200%, leading to hygiene problems and limited access to care. She reiterated her call for a binding European framework.
Sandro Ruotolo (S&D, Italian) felt that “the degree of civilisation of a country can be measured by entering its prisons”. He urged improved conditions to prevent suicides and ensure dignified rehabilitation.
Michael McNamara (Renew Europe, Irish) criticised the frequent incarceration of people with mental disorders or addictions, calling for alternatives to short sentences and reform of prison systems.
Far right takes hardline ‘law and order’ approach. On the far right, several MEPs have adopted a punitive approach. Matthieu Valet (PfE, French) asserted that “prison is not Club Med” and insisted on its primary role of “protecting society”.
Julien Sanchez (PfE, French), for his part, denounced a link between prison overcrowding and mass immigration, while criticising what he perceived as an excessive leniency towards prisoners compared to victims. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)