Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice

SESSION OF WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2001

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, Mr. Commissioner, the last Justice Council has shown that the decision-making system by unanimity on justice and home affairs has reached the end of its cycle. If the Berlusconi government managed, even for a brief period, to block the decision on the European arrest warrant, we can imagine what will happen when the Union of 15 becomes the Union of 30, if we continue to insist on intergovernmental rather than community decision-making methods. On this occasion, I want to congratulate the Belgian Presidency for the battle it won yesterday in Rome.

It is clear that the Council is reluctant to move forward with substantial reforms in accordance with the Tampere commitments, despite the tireless efforts of Commissioner Vittorino and the political will demonstrated by the European Parliament. The only area where the Council has shown particular interest and urgency is in the fight against terrorism, under the pressure and proposals of the United States, which I fear are trying to export and impose their own justice system on Europe, a system that conflicts with European traditions and values. How can we extradite European citizens to the U.S. when the United States does not guarantee against the imposition of the death penalty? I fear, Mr. Commissioner, that the alliance with the U.S. is becoming increasingly dangerous for the European Union.

The promotion of strict regulations within an already stringent framework has justifiably raised concerns among citizens and fears of restrictions on the fundamental freedoms and human rights that have been achieved through many struggles and sacrifices. The end does not justify the means, of course. Furthermore, at the halfway point of the five-year period defined by the Amsterdam Treaty for the establishment of the European Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice, there are serious delays, such as in shaping a common policy on migration and asylum. Ultimately, I wonder where European sensitivity and our humanitarian values are when we fail to provide solutions to the plight of refugees and migrants and when we witness daily tragedies, such as the recent death by asphyxiation of eight migrants in South Ireland.