Vol. 533 No. 2
35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the question of human rights or criminal activities within European Union applicant countries has given rise for concern among the existing members; the guarantees which are being sought to ensure organised crime, such as the Russian Mafia, does not infiltrate the European Union in general when these applicant members become full members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7846/01]
Under the so-called "Copenhagen criteria", membership of the EU requires that a candidate country has achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities.
On the question of crime, as with existing member states of the EU, different candidate states have differing specific problems. Clearly the very rapid transformation of societies in Central and Eastern Europe has brought about its own special difficulties. However, the EU and the candidate states are already co-operating in the fight against serious crime. A pre-accession pact on organised crime with the candidate states of Central and Eastern Europe and Cyprus has been agreed and this is implemented, inter alia, through a special group of experts. EU assistance is also provided in this area through the PHARE programme.
In addition, there are Council of Europe anti-crime programmes, in which candidate countries are involved. One of these programmes was organised during 1999 and 2000 in conjunction with the EU Commission. Its objective was to strengthen capacities, policies and co-operation in relation to organised crime, in particular in the context of helping the candidate countries to adopt and implement effectively the acquis of the EU and to adopt the relevant instruments of the Council of Europe. Ireland was closely involved in this programme.
Bilateral level agreements are in force, or under active negotiation, between Ireland and many of the candidate countries.
Membership of the EU by the candidate states of Central and Eastern will help us all achieve more in the continuing battle against organised crime. An enlarged EU should also be better equipped to develop its relations with Russia and the other former states of the Soviet Union with a view to addressing in a more effective manner the question of organised crime throughout the continent. Several instruments already exist in this regard. For example, the principles of a European Action Plan on increased co-operation between the EU and the Russian Federation against organised crime were agreed in late 1999 This plan was developed further by the EU's Multi-disciplinary Group on Organised Crime and put in place last year. On a bilateral level, Ireland and Russia have agreements in operation to improve our effectiveness, especially in areas such as drug trafficking and organised crime.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 6.
