Barrapunto

Vote on data retention

ALVARO: "I am withdrawing my name. I cannot support this."


Brussels/Strasbourg 14 December 2005- The European Parliament has today approved the report on blanket europe-wide retention of data according to Council's wishes. German Liberal Alexander ALVARO, speaker on Civil Liberties Justice and Home Affairs and Parliament's rapporteur on the issue is disappointed by this outcome:

"It'd bad enough that the European parliament in spite of a clear committee vote, wasn't able to prevent monkey business among the two large political groups in the EP. That 450 million European citizens will by the directive adopted today be placed under general suspicion on the premises of combatting terrorism, is shameful."

The leading Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs had agreed on a justifiable line at the end of November following massive pressure from Council and intensive cross-party talks. The Commission proposal would have been distinctly curbed on a number of key points and compensation of additional costs arising for companies from the measure would have been provided for.

"My report accounts for the protection and liberties of citizens. I have many colleagues who have supported me in this. Alas, we seem to form a minority. The time pressure we were put under dores not justify the way things were being handled. If this project is so important for the citizens of Europe and not just a farewell present to the British presidency, we should have acted with more caution.

By voting as we did today we create a precedent where Council need only say 'jump!' and Parliament cries 'how high?'. UNder these circumstances I feel forced to withdraw my name from this report. This is something I can no longer support", said ALVARO after the plenary vote.

ALVARO substantially criticised that data must now be stored in a period of 6 to 24 months, while member states may adjust maximum retention periods at will. The fact that no guideline on cost reimbursement was approved raises the danger of fragmentation in the single market for the important telecoms sector. the directive is furthermore no longer limited to the fight against terrorism and organised crime, but now includes all serious crimes.

The big coalition has, together with member states, amputated the EP's backbone. Socialists and conservatives are now no more than member states' stooges, who cherish the illusion that Parliament has gained respect and power by today's vote. The contrary is the case" ends ALVARO.


Alexander Alvaro MdEP
Europäisches Parlament
ASP 10G150
60 Rue Wiertz
B-1047 Brüssel

Tel. +32 2 28 47328
Fax +32 2 28 49328
mail: apickartalvaro@europarl.eu.int