Input Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert voor het debat vanmiddag (waarbij zij het woord voert op het terrein van de fundamentele rechten etc.) - Main contents

in Nieuws

Mr. Barroso,

In your political guidelines you state that the principles of free movement and equal treatment for EU citizens must become a reality in people's everyday lives.

You also state that you believe in a Europe that gives every man and woman the freedom and security to develop their potential to the full, free from discrimination.

You state that you believe in the need to actively promote human rights, and thus never to hesitate in condemning violations of these fundamental rights. That Europe has great potential to credibly champion the cause of human rights!

And you're right.

The question is: are we credible?

Solid achievements over empty rhetoric...

These are your own words! And I couldn't agree more.

Fact is, however, that our credibility is at stake. Castles in the air in stead of solid foundations. So, isn't it about time that the EU gets its act together first of all?

Of course one should not forget about the role of the Council, but -- in our view, the Commission in particular has a duty to act in order to eliminate all forms of discrimination and to ensure that all key legislation is adopted and properly implemented.

Moreover, fighting terrorism or criminals by suspending freedoms and the right to privacy of the individual is (to put it mildly) not in the spirit of liberal political philosophy. So, yes, we also expect the Commission to follow-up to requests of this house in relation to, for example, extraordinary renditions and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

We want the Commission to be pro-active and to propose legislation that is at the forefront of civil liberties, including new and comprehensive data protection legislation. More in general: we expect the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to play its role fully and thus to enforce EU principles and law. Not only with regard to the aspects of the internal market but also in the field of human rights, civil liberties and fundamental freedoms.

After all, Mr. Barroso: rights and obligations only become a reality when those concerned have access to them. And again, these are your own words.

In your political guidelines you refer to the so-called "broader fundamental human rights agenda". However, you do not elaborate on what that agenda consists of. Indeed, I would be grateful if you could do so now.

And last but not least: are you willing to create a specific commissioner's portfolio for fundamental rights and anti-discrimination with equal powers and standing as the Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner??