Justice and home affairs: priorities for cooperation from 01/01/1998

In adopting the report by Mr Hartmut NASSAUER (PPE, D), the European Parliament asks to be consulted concerning the laying down of priorities for cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs for the period from 1 January 1998 to the date of entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam. If the new Treaty has not entered into force by 31 December 1998, Parliament calls for the priorities to be reviewed. Parliament considers that priority should be given to adopting the measures necessary to achieve freedom of movement for persons (especially the three 'Monti directives') and to improving judicial cooperation in the internal market. It also feels that the fight against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism must be included among the Council's priorities. Parliament emphasizes the need for it to be consulted on all decisions taken under Schengen before the Treaty of Amsterdam enters into force. It also suggests convening a further Schengen Conference with a view to reaching agreements on parliamentary controls and cooperation concerning application of the Schengen Agreements. Finally, it calls on the Council to ensure the continuation of anti-terrorism initiatives and to take the necessary steps to ensure that Europol assumes its responsibilities in this area. �