Cannes, 08/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - The French Presidency attempted once again, on Tuesday 8 July, to persuade its European partners to adopt national warning systems to enable child disappearances to be tackled at EU level, but the issue of interoperability is still causing doubt in some member states. The US-inspired system allows police and judicial authorities to raise the alarm when a child disappears. The media, particularly television and radio, and illuminated road traffic sign can be used to relay information and broadcast photos of victims.
France's aim was partly realised since several member states agreed to develop this kind of system, even though in different forms. “We checked that most member states were on the way to adopting a kidnap warning system. They have to be interoperable, even if they are different,” said European Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot following the informal EU Justice Ministers Council in Cannes. Apart from France, Greece already has a system up and running, and the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Belgium and Portugal have indicated their willingness to pursue the matter. Several member states agreed to test a cross-border kidnap warning, similar to the exercise carried out in June by France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg (with Spain, Portugal, Germany, the Czech Republic and Sweden observing). However, the idea of setting up a European mechanism based on identical national systems has gone by the board. “We cannot impose a system on another country,” Dati conceded. Germany and other countries were also reluctant about setting up a fully inter-connected European system, which was felt to be disproportionate. German Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries said that Germany could agree to the plan if was applied case by case. “The alert would only be activated if there was a real need, but without strict rules,” she said. “There is no need for a European alert for a child who has been missing for only two hours. Most return home after two or three days,” she stated. The European Commission is currently gathering information on existing systems, and plans to publish a practical guide to help member states.
Ministers gave strong backing to the French proposal to make the broaden training of magistrates and justice personnel in member states. Of the main ideas put forward, a European judicial network appeared unquestionable, similarly increasing training opportunities through the Academy of European Law in Trier, Germany. Ministers committed their countries to ratifying the Hague Convention of 2000 on the international protection of adults. (B.C./transl.rt)