Fundamental rights should not be misused to serve political purposes

A report on the situation of fundamental rights in the EU (2013-2014) will be voted tomorrow in plenary in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The report provides an opportunity to assess fundamental rights in the Union, but is also a springboard for fruitful dialogue and an exchange of views with Member States, especially where there are violations of fundamental rights within the European Union.

Shadow Rapporteur Elissavet Vozemberg MEP tabled an alternative motion for resolution on behalf of the EPP Group. The coalition of far-Left, Left, the Liberals and the Greens are wrongly using the report to promote the protection of criminals and terrorists which, in consequence, leaves space for criminal acts by hampering the fight against terrorism. We are totally in support of European mechanisms for monitoring fundamental rights in Member States, as well as the strengthening of the effective protection of children's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, Roma and the rights of migrants (see our alternative motion for resolution).

MEP Vozemberg said that "the EPP Group has always insisted that all citizens and residents of the European Union should enjoy the rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, without discrimination based on sex, religion, sexual orientation or colour. Unfortunately, positions that do not promote the protection of fundamental rights are systematically entering these reports and as a result their authors use these legal means to score cheap political points."