2001

The proposed framework decision to combat terrorism

Submission by Statewatch to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, sub-committee "E" on the proposal to combat terrorism

EU anti-terrorism action plan: "operational measures"

Many of the “operational" initiatives in the Conclusions and the "roadmap" concern the creation of ad hoc, informal, groups, targets and cooperation. There is little or no mention of accountability to the European parliament or national parliaments. No mention at all of data protection or to recourse to courts for individuals who might be affected. Moreover, there is a real danger that these "temporary" arrangements will become permanent leaving a whole layer of EU inter-agencies informal groups, information and intelligence exchanges and operational practices quite unaccountable.

EU anti-terrorism action plan: legislative measures in justice and home affairs policy

In sum, the “anti-terrorism” programme amounts to little more than the fast-tracking of a raft of law enforcement legislation that was already on the EU’s agenda and goes well beyond the investigation and prosecution of terrorism

Proposed Framework Decision on European arrest warrants: how will the EU's new proposal on arrest warrants affect civil liberties?

The following analysis comments on the context of the proposal; the future of the proposal; the legal effect of the proposal if adopted; and the text and civil liberties implications of each Chapter of the proposal.

The "Conclusions" of the special Justice and Home Affairs Council on 20 September 2001 and their implications for civil liberties

The Council has expressed its intention to fast-track two Framework Decisions on terrorism and the European Arrest Warrant, both of which were due to be proposed at this time anyway. The proposal on terrorism has raised concerns because it includes a definition that could also cover protests and “urban violence”.

Democracy and accountability in the EU and the role of national parliaments

Statewatch submission to UK House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee inquiry into democracy and accountability in the EU and the role of national parliaments

New EU law on terrorism to cover protest and dissent?

EU to adopt new laws on terrorism: definition of "terrorism" to cover groups with the aim of "seriously altering... the political, economic or social structure" of one or more countries and their institutions and includes "urban violence"

The “enemy within”: EU plans the surveillance of protestors and the criminalisation of protests

EU plans on public order would give control of operations to the newly-created EU “Task Force of Chief Police Officers” which has no legal basis for its activities; create mechanisms for “operational” cooperation for which there are no legal powers; legitimise the ongoing surveillance by “police and intelligence officers” (internal security services) of “persons or groups likely to pose a threat to public order and security”; create national databases of “troublemakers” based on suspicion and supposition without any legal standards or data protection and the unregulated exchange of this data; and allow EU member states to pass laws to prevent people from going to protests in other countries if their names have been recorded as “suspects” or if they have been convicted of minor public order offences (obstructing the highway).

Statewatch comments for House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union Proposed Directive on Long-term Residents

Submission by Statewatch on the Commission proposal for a Directive on refugee status and subsidiary protection to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, Sub-Committee "E"

The Commission's proposed EU Immigration Policy

Submission by Statewatch on the Commission's EU Immigration Policy (COM (2000) 757 final) to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, Sub-Committee "E"

The adoption of Council Security Regulations

Submission by Statewatch on the Draft Council Decision concerning the adoption of Council Security Regulations (SN 5677/00) to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, Sub-Committee "E"

The proposed Directive on asylum procedures

Submission by Statewatch on the on the proposed Directive on asylum procedures (11622/00) to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, Sub-Committee "E"