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Multiannual framework for the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2018-2022

2017/2702(RSP)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Multiannual Framework for 2018-2022 for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL and Greens/EFA groups as well as Jean LAMBERT (Greens/EFA, UK).

Members recalled that the draft Council decision establishing a Multiannual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2018-2022, submitted to Parliament for consent, includes eight thematic areas:

  1. victims of crime and access to justice;
  2. equality and discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, or on the grounds of nationality;
  3. information society and, in particular, respect for private life and protection of personal data;
  4. judicial cooperation, except in criminal matters;
  5. migration, borders, asylum and integration of refugees and migrants;
  6. racism, xenophobia and related intolerance;
  7. rights of the child;
  8. integration and social inclusion of Roma with a focus on anti-Gypsyism.

Members recalled that including the area of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the Multiannual Framework would not only reflect the needs on the ground, but would also allow the Agency to provide comprehensive analysis on its own initiative in areas that are of obvious relevance to fundamental rights.

However, the Council disagreed with the inclusion of the proposed thematic area in the new Multiannual Framework.

Taking note of the divergent opinions of the Commission and Council on the interpretation of the Agency’s founding Regulation, Members called on both institutions to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

They invited the Commission, following the external evaluation of the Agency in 2017, to present a proposal for amendments to Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 which it considers necessary to improve the procedures for the governance and the functioning of the Agency and to align the Regulation with the Lisbon Treaty.