MEPs back co-operation to combat crime and terrorism

25th April 2008

NEW provisions for closer co-operation between EU countries in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime were today welcomed by Wales Euro-MPs Glenys Kinnock and Eluned Morgan.

The plans will improve the exchange of DNA data, fingerprints and other information between police forces in EU countries. The measures will be accompanied by strengthened rules on personal data protection.

GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"These new provisions mean EU countries will have effective tools in the prevention, investigation and detection of serious crime across Europe.

"We cannot fight cross border crime and national crime by isolating ourselves from the rest of the world. Trafficking of people and drugs as well as terrorism other serious crime can only be defeated by working in conjunction with other countries throughout the EU and in the wider world."

ELUNED MORGAN added:

"These measures will help us effectively tackle the challenges of cross-border crime and terrorism, at the same time ensuring that any information that passes between countries will adhere strongly to data protection rules and the necessary civil rights protections."