Stockholm Programme
Better balance still needed between security and respect for human rights
The European Parliament today voted on the multi-annual and far-reaching Stockholm Programme, which covers justice, constitutional, legal and home affairs. UK Green MEP Jean Lambert commented:
"I welcome some of the positive aspects of the Parliament's vote today on the Stockholm Programme, particularly on the inclusion of the Greens' call for equal rights for all in the EU, without exception.
Universal access to basic services is an essential part of ensuring core human rights for all. Disappointingly Parliament shied away from a renewed call for the long-awaited anti-discrimination directive.
Legislation in the EU should be rooted in the principle of freedom and security measures must be implemented to increase our freedom rather than curtail it. New measures should also be followed up with independent evaluations to measure their effectiveness and their impact on society.
Regrettably, we still do not have the right balance when it comes to border control and protection for those who need it. FRONTEX must guarantee respect for human rights and ensure effective access to the EU's protection system for asylum seekers - such considerations should be included in the forthcoming review of the agency. We also eagerly await further proposals on legal migration which are an essential piece of the jigsaw of a coherent EU migration policy."
