Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2012-03-13-Speech-2-432-000"
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"en.20120313.20.2-432-000"2
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"Madam President, the Commission has serious concerns about the website launched by the Dutch PVV Party and, as you know, I have personally condemned this website because it is an open call for intolerance and intolerance has no place in Europe.
I called on all citizens of the Netherlands not to follow the intolerance of the PVV website and I commend the very strong reaction that they have shown. The Dutch complaints bureau for discrimination on the Internet has received well over 6 000 complaints from citizens and, in addition, many political parties in the Netherlands, including those from the majority, have dissociated themselves from this website.
The response by Dutch business leaders is particularly welcome. They have condemned the xenophobic nature of the website and warned about its damaging effects on intra-EU trade for the Dutch economy.
I also applaud the fact that the European parties have raised their voice. I cannot quote all those who have been very outspoken on this, but the President of the EPP has said ‘I am angered’; ALDE has said that the website goes against all European values of dignity and liberty. President Martin Schulz has given his analysis that the website shows completely unacceptable behaviour. I would like to recall that ten ambassadors have written an open letter in which they express their concerns about the discriminatory and stigmatising nature of the website, saying it was a deplorable initiative. I would like to quote the Council of Europe’s Secretary-General, who wrote that he is concerned because the website is hosted by a political party which is linked to the governing coalition, and so on and so forth.
Let me add to this that it is unacceptable that EU citizens should become the target of xenophobic and intolerant attitudes because they have exercised their fundamental freedom to move from one Member State to another. The citizens of the 27 Member States have the right to move, work and study wherever they like and they should feel at home no matter where they decide to move. All governments have the duty to ensure that EU citizens from other Member States feel welcome. They must explain to their citizens the important benefits the free movement of citizens has for the economy and for our societies.
The Framework Decision on combating Racism and Xenophobia obliges Member States to make intentional public incitement to hatred against persons punishable. Incitement to xenophobic hate is an offence in Europe, so it is for the Dutch authorities to investigate fully the lawfulness of this website under Dutch law and under Union law. I applaud the joint motion for a resolution by the PPE, the Socialist Group, the Liberals, the Greens and the Communists. That is the right way to proceed: to say altogether, ‘no, there is a limit to what one can do’.
The European Union is founded on the values of democracy, non-discrimination and the rule of law. These have to be respected by all, including by national politicians."@en1
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