91999E0358

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0358/99

by Paul Rübig (PPE) to the Commission

(1 March 1999)

Subject: Survey of crime in European cities

A current survey of serious crime in Austria, Germany and Switzerland shows that crime rates in the Austrian capital, Vienna, are clearly lower than in German or Swiss cities. For example, a figure of 3,9 murders per 100 000 inhabitants is given for Vienna in 1997. A similar trend is also revealed by the number of robberies where Vienna's figure of 82 per 100 000 inhabitants is clearly lower than other major cities.

Does there exist a representative survey for all major cities in the European Union showing which urban centres require particular action to be taken to make them safe areas for citizens of the Union? If not, when does the Commission plan to arrange for such a survey?

Answer given by Mrs Gradin on behalf of the Commission

(19 April 1999)

To date the Commission has not initiated a study of the type described by the Honourable Member. The political priority established by the Member States at European Union level was to combat the various forms of organised crime. Efforts are mainly directed to gathering information on this more specific area. One of the results is the annual Council report on organised crime in Europe, which is transmitted to Parliament.

One of the difficulties of comparing statistics drawn up in the Member States is that they are not equivalent, given that there are no common criteria for measuring certain types of crime. Work certainly needs to be done in this area. It could be supplemented by studies on vulnerability to certain forms of crime originating in differences in the social or cultural environment. This type of study might obtain financial support from the Commission.

The Commission is well aware of the need for comparable statistical tools on aspects of crime, and before the summer intends to put forward a multiannual programme to promote cooperation between experts in crime statistics with a view in particular to developing Europe-wide crime statistics.