Police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters: framework programme AGIS for 2003-2007

The committee adopted the report by Carlos COELHO (EPP-ED, P) broadly approving the proposal under the consultation procedure, subject to a number of amendments designed to make the text clearer and more specific. It felt, for example, that as the programme applied to the whole of Title VI of the Treaty on European Union (police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters), an explicit reference was needed to the list of crimes specifically referred to in that Title (Article 29: terrorism, trafficking in persons and offences against children, illegal drug trafficking and illicit arms trafficking, corruption and fraud). The committee also wanted to see cooperation between Member States to achieve effective protection of the interests of victims in criminal proceedings, including the establishment of a network of contact points, as well as promotion of the rights of the defence. With regard to funding for specific projects, MEPs wanted it to be made clear that 100% financing by the EU budget could be justified only in exceptional cases. They therefore stipulated that projects and measures can be financed up to 100% provided that they are in the very best interests of the EU and cannot be properly carried out with a lower rate of finance. The committee also insisted on a greater degree of information being provided for Parliament and the public. �