During the plenary session (21-24/10/2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the danger of the rise of violent right wing extremism. Statement by Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union, Karoline EDSTADLER (EPP, AT), Nicola BEER (RE, DE), Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE) and Valérie HAYER (RE, FR).

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

KING, Julian (UK, EC)

right-wing extremism in Europe (T)

EDSTADLER, Karoline (EPP, AT)

BEER, Nicola (Renew, DE)

HAYER, Valérie (Renew, FR)

CAVAZZINI, Anna (Greens/EFA, DE)

Danger of violent right wing extremism, in the light of the recent events in Halle, Germany: extracts from the debate

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/5632558/I179446Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union, While our work on countering violent extremism and terrorism at the EU level covers all forms of extremism, it is fair to say that the primary focus in recent years has been on jihadi terrorism. This needs to remain a priority given the nature of the threat. But the Commission is also increasingly focusing on and working to tackle violent right wing extremism, especially through the Radicalization Awareness Network that is working with police officers, prison probation staff, local government officials, teachers and others on the front-line of tackling this particular challenge.

SOUNDBITE (English), Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union, Let's put in place clear and effective measures to prevent the dissemination of illegal terrorist content, including live streaming directly linked to attacks, while at the same time ensuring that we retain full respect, fundamental rights and freedom of speech.

SOUNDBITE (English), Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union, This has also been stressed by Member States in the Council. It is important to support our neighbours in their efforts to tackle violent extremism, particularly our partners in the Western Balkans. At the Joint Action Plan on Counter-Terrorism for the Balkans region signed a year ago, covers counter-terrorism policy as well as prevention of all forms radicalisation and violent extremism. 

SOUNDBITE (German), Karoline EDSTADLER (EPP, AT), Now we need to work together and not just within the Jewish community against this. It is high time to remind the Member States that it is not enough simply to sign declarations. Instead, we need to have concrete actions to follow these words. We have for decades lived in good cooperation and there are examples of good practice from our police forces that we should use. Events such as the one in Halle should not be allowed to happen again. And we need all Member States governments to fight to stop this happening. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (German), Nicola BEER (RE, DE), We need to ensure that there are active partnerships within our societies. Only by being aware that anti-Semitism is something which affects all of us and which challenges our European values is only by doing this can we move forward regardless of where this anti-Semitism comes from, whether it's from the left, the right, or on religious grounds. Anti-Semitism is something which affects us all and our democracy, regardless of which section of democracy we come from. So we have to be better. We have to take action and we have to deal as citizens as much as we do as European parliamentarians. 

SOUNDBITE (German), Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE), We need closer cooperation between our secret services and our police services. We need the politicians to be much more aware that basic rights are being infringed throughout Europe. We must stand up against anybody who is trying to destroy basic rights. We must speak out against anybody who would make this kind of dialog, whether it's in the pub or anywhere else. Thank you. 

SOUNDBITE (French), Val&#233;rie HAYER (RE, FR), As for the internet to not used to make banal anti-Semitism. We need to take stock of the ignorance of our History. One out of 10 young Europeans know nothing about the Holocaust. So let's attack the evil in the schools and universities and let's make sure the internet users becomes freer and more responsible. 