Doc. 9974

13 October 2003

Cross-border crime in Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Bruce and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. The Parliamentary Assembly is concerned at the continuing growth in serious cross-border crime, both between Council of Europe member States and originating from without. This phenomenon takes numerous forms, including trafficking in drugs, persons and arms, fraud and other financial crime, internet crime, customs duty evasion, etc. Not only is cross-border (or transnational) crime increasing in extent, but it is also evolving both in its forms and in its means of evading prevention and suppression.

2. It is evident that this challenge cannot be met adequately on national bases alone. There is no escaping the geographical unity of Europe and accordingly responses to forms of criminality which do not respect national borders must themselves be organized and implemented on a continental level. Failure to involve fully all European states would open breaches in our common defenses.

3. The Assembly appreciates that numerous measures have already been implemented, more or less thoroughly and with varying degrees of success, but can only observe that despite these efforts, cross-border crime remains a serious and increasing problem. New international legal and institutional tools, or reform of existing ones, along with innovative practical measures, are therefore needed to ensure a full, effective and flexible range of responsive mechanisms.

4. The Assembly therefore recommends to the Committee of Ministers to elaborate a Convention addressing the issue of cross-border crime in its entirety.

Signed 1:

Bruce, United Kingdom, LDR

Ateş, Turkey, SOC

Bindig, Germany, SOC

Goris, Belgium, LDR

Judd, United Kingdom, SOC

Lloyd, United Kingdom, SOC

Magnusson, Sweden, SOC

McNamara, United Kingdom, SOC

Mooney, Ireland, LDR

Olteanu, Romania, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group