Implementation of the Stockholm Programme and of the area of freedom, security and justice

25.4.2013

Question for oral answer O-000046/2013
to the Council
Rule 115
Klaus-Heiner Lehne
on behalf of the Committee on Legal Affairs
Juan Fernando López Aguilar
on behalf of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Carlo Casini
on behalf of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs

On 20 April 2010 the Commission presented an action plan for implementing the Stockholm Programme adopted by the European Council on 10-11 December 2009, after the European Parliament had adopted its resolution of 25 November 2009 on the multi-annual programme 2010-2014 regarding the area of freedom, security and justice (Stockholm Programme). The idea was to establish an area of freedom, security and justice for Europe’s citizens within an open and secure Europe serving and protecting them.

As we are now already into the second part of the period for which the programme was drawn up (2010-2014) and should therefore soon be thinking about what will succeed it, an assessment of its implementation on the basis of the information and data now available – particularly with regard to the specific achievements for European citizens brought about by the measures laid down in the programme, the instruments for implementing it and the problems that have arisen – seems vital in order to maintain and, if necessary, relaunch the momentum of integration in this important area for European citizens.

1.  To what extent does the Council believe that the objectives of the Stockholm Programme have so far been suitably met through the specific implementation of measures adopted by the European Union°

2.  Which are the areas where the biggest difficulties been encountered and where obstacles remain? In the areas where difficulties or obstacles persist, what are the main reasons?

3.  Have the new institutional arrangements introduced by the Lisbon Treaty improved the effectiveness and democratic legitimacy of EU action in the context of the area of ​​freedom, security and justice, as well as the actual implementation by Member States of the measures adopted?

Tabled: 25.4.2013

Forwarded: 26.4.2013

Deadline for reply: 17.5.2013