92003E1558

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1558/03

by Claude Moraes (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 2003)

Subject: Soccer and racism

Can the Commission please give its response to the rise in racism and the organised racist behaviour of soccer supporters of particular soccer clubs within EU countries and to the fines recently levied by UEFA on particular soccer clubs?

Does the Commission have a view on the disturbing evidence of organised racism at soccer matches in particular accession countries, again identified by UEFA (for example in Slovakia)?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2003)

The Commission shares the Honourable Member's concern at the recent manifestations of racist violence at football matches in certain Member States and Applicant Countries.

The Commission is providing financial support for practical initiatives designed to tackle racism in football, including FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe).

The Commission has also adopted on 28 November 2001 a proposal(1) for a framework decision to approximate the laws and regulations of the Member States regarding racist and xenophobic offences. The purpose of this framework decision is twofold. First, to ensure that racism and xenophobia are punishable in all Member States by effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties, which can give rise to extradition or surrender, and second, to improve and encourage judicial cooperation by removing potential obstacles.

Finally, the Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that the Council has adopted on 25 April 2002 a decision concerning security in connection with football matches with an international dimension(2). For exchange of information in relation to a football event and with a view to the necessary international police cooperation in connection with football matches with an international dimension, this Decision establishes national football information points.

(1) OJ C 75 E, 26.3.2002.

(2) OJ L 121, 8.5.2002.