Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-07-03-Speech-3-299"
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"en.20020703.9.3-299"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we congratulate Mr Ozan Ceyhun and regret the increase in the number of racist incidents in the countries of Europe. According to
the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, the year 2000 saw an increase in hostilities and attacks compared to the previous year, which were particularly serious in some countries of the Union. As a result of the tragic events of 11 September 2001, the situation has grown worse, and we have seen an increase in tensions and violence, particularly of an anti-Islamic nature. We must emphasise once again that racism and xenophobia constitute a clear violation of the principles of freedom, democracy, fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights as well as the Rule of Law – principles on which the European Union is founded and which are common to all Member States.
Discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin is prohibited in all States, but there are considerable disparities in the scope, the wording and the implementation of this ban. The Member States must be able to introduce or uphold provisions that are more favourable to protecting the principle of equal treatment. It is crucial, however, that minimum standards exist at European level. Those who commit this type of offence must not be able to exploit these disparities and escape legal proceedings by moving from one country to another.
This proposal for a framework decision must lead to the approximation of national criminal laws, providing a common approach, which will enable racist acts in the European Union to be effectively prosecuted.
It can never be emphasised too much, however, that there must be an equitable balance between combating the scourge of racism and xenophobia and safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms, specifically the freedom of expression, the freedom of the press and freedom of association. For the sake of truth, however, it should also be pointed out that clamping down on racist acts, especially violent ones, is not the only way to fight racism. It must first of all be prevented, through education about equality and through the adoption of intelligent policies that do not provoke undesirable reactions. This is a highly topical example of the measures to be adopted in the field of asylum and immigration policies."@en1
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