Joint answer given by High Representative/Vice President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
Written questions : E-1932/10 , E-2091/10 , E-2020/10 , E-2016/10 , E-2031/10
7.6.2010
The Commission has discussed with Amnesty International and the Omega Research Foundation their report of 17 March 2010. The Commission takes its commitment to fight against torture, of which Council Regulation (EC) 1236/2005[1] is a key component, very seriously.
The first meeting of the Regulatory Committee created by the regulation took place on 14 January 2009 in Brussels. The Commission sent precise requests to Member States to explain their practices and interpretation of the regulation before 28 February 2009. It also recalled Member States’ obligation, under Article 13(3), to draw up an annual activity report. Other requests were also recalled, such as the obligation to notify the rules on penalties.
However, more decisive steps need to be taken to ensure the comprehensive enforcement of this regulation.
The Commission intends to convene another meeting of the Regulatory Committee and will aim to focus the agenda on three points:
- —the information exchange regime, including shortcomings that may require changes to the regulation such as the ones identified in the Amnesty International and Omega Research Foundation report;
- —publication of annual activity reports as foreseen in Article 13(3);
- —possible changes to the list of goods subject to a trade ban and to export controls respectively (Annexes II and III of the regulation).
The Commission will ensure the European Parliament is kept fully informed of developments.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005 of 27 June 2005 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, OJ L 200, 30.7.2005.