Mr President, I congratulate Commissioner Vitorino and the rapporteurs, Mrs Boumediene-Thiery and Mrs Hazan, whose report was adopted unanimously in committee, and the chairman, Mr Watson, whose report on security at international summits is meticulous from a legal viewpoint and politically balanced. This report reflects on the need to respond politically to the problems posed by globalisation in order to contribute to the political, social and economic progress of the international community and to overcome violence. Too many acts of violence have been committed during the anti-globalisation demonstrations, and also in some cases too many acts of violence against the demonstrators or even those arrested, as in the tragic events in Genoa in which a young man was killed, struck down in circumstances that are still unclear. I am glad to say that the courts in my country are independent and still able to mete out justice, even if it is posthumous. There have been too many acts of violence, too many violations of the rules and principles that govern the European Union. When faced with alarming events, we must not give up respecting the fundamental rights which we solemnly affirm and expect third countries that have barely entered the democratic arena to respect. Even today, when we are faced with terrorism, we must remember that these rights were won in Europe with the greatest difficulty. They cannot just apply on holidays and in times of peace. They exist to protect us in times of struggle and danger. Therefore, ready as we are to defend ourselves against terrorists, enemies of human rights, by every lawful means, we reject any temptation to use instruments that reduce the levels of civilisation on which we pride ourselves, even when faced with pressing, genuine demands. The end does not justify the means, especially when it is the means – respect for the fundamental rights of every human being, and the rejection of discrimination between citizens and non-citizens – that form the essence of our democracies. In this parliamentary term, the Europe of rights is being constructed. The Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights has been approved and appreciable progress has been made in setting up the area of freedom, security and justice. We are behind schedule with asylum and immigration but we have made progress on judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters and police cooperation. The delays in Member States ratifying the agreements approved by the Council reveal the need for the Community method even in matters of the so-called third pillar. The strengthening of Europol, the creation of Eurojust, joint investigation teams and the fight against money laundering are just a few of the agreed objectives that are still waiting to be put into practice. The 11 September slaughter gave rise to the proposal of framework decisions on a joint definition of the crimes of terrorism and on the European arrest warrant. After incomprehensible resistance from – I regret to say – my own government, even the latter project is about to be implemented, and I hope my government does not make the country pay for its contradictions in this matter. In any case, I am glad to say that the European Union as an area of freedom, security and justice really will be here soon.

Political group: PSE