Full Minutes of the Meetings

SESSION OF TUESDAY, 4 MAY 2004

Freedom and Security of the Union’s Citizens

Karamanou (PSE). – Mr. President, I would first like to greet today’s first decision of the enlarged European Parliament, which rejected the Council’s attempt to reintroduce the issue of concluding an agreement on the processing and transmission of personal data of European passengers by airlines to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The issue of freedom and security in the Europe of twenty-five, which we are discussing today, is directly related, Commissioner, to the security of the Olympic Games that are being held this summer in Greece. The conduct of the Games in secure conditions has always been a constant headache, since ancient times, which is why the truce was the most serious part of the preparations, in order for athletes and spectators to arrive safely in Olympia.

I believe, however romantic this may sound, that promoting the idea of the truce in the modern era and educating people in peaceful coexistence would cost much less and have more lasting results than strengthening repression forces and using military means. For the Europe of twenty-five, the 2004 Olympic Games represent a golden opportunity to promote globally the idea of the truce, that is, the ideals of peace, cooperation, dialogue, and the rejection of violence as a means of resolving differences.

Unfortunately, the reality of the modern world speaks of an escalation of blind violence, hatred, and terrorism. The publication of photographs showing the torture and humiliation of prisoners in Iraq demonstrates the extent of the dehumanization and barbarity that can be caused in people by their involvement in wars and acts of violence. At the same time, however, it also shows the degree of press freedom we have achieved and must protect.

Commissioner, nearly three years after the attack on the Twin Towers, terrorism has not only not been dismantled, but it seems to be creating conditions of dehumanization even for those who belong to modern democracies and are supposed to defend fundamental freedoms and human rights. Will political leaders realize that a different strategy is needed to combat terrorism and enhance security? The European Union of twenty-five must offer an alternative proposal, a new vision, and respond to the crucial question: can there be security on a planet with vast inequalities in social and economic conditions and in the distribution of the goods of democracy, science, and technology?

For the enhancement of security in the European Union, for a safer world, we certainly need fresh, alternative, non-military policies and strategies, and the strengthening of the role of citizens, particularly women. We hope that the new Constitution of Europe will be approved soon and will serve as the democratic framework that will strengthen fundamental freedoms and security in Europe and the world.

Finally, Commissioner, I would also like to congratulate you for the excellent work you are doing as Commissioner for the promotion of the common area of freedom, security, and justice in the European Union, an undertaking that has proven, unfortunately, to be much more difficult than the creation of the single market and the common currency.