Death of George Floyd: MEPs to assess racism across the world and in the EU
Police violence against African Americans and the massive anti-racism protests in the US and across the EU will be the focus of a plenary debate to be wrapped up with a resolution on Friday.
MEPs will discuss on Wednesday with Council and Commission representatives the racism, discrimination and police violence often faced by minorities such as those of African descent. The EP Subcommittee on Human Rights already held a debate on 5 June on the situation in the US after the death of George Floyd. Plenary will adopt a resolution summarising Parliament’s views.
In March last year, the EP urged the EU and its member states to take measures to tackle structural racism in Europe. MEPs demanded an end to racial profiling in criminal law and counter-terrorism as well as reparations for crimes against humanity during European colonialism.
Background
George Floyd was an African American man who died while being arrested by police officers on the street in the US city of Minneapolis on 25 May. His death, along with other such cases, has sparked both peaceful and violent demonstrations and protests against racism and police brutality all over the US, as well as around the globe, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Council and Commission statements, with resolution
Debate: Wednesday, 17 June
Vote: Friday, 19 June