Cuardaigh
Understanding crime statistics
Crime statistics are used to show crime levels and trends and to inform national policies to protect citizens and society. It is thus important that they are as accurate as possible, which is a challenge to both those who record the occurrences of crime and those who subsequently compile and use the resulting statistics. However, it is accepted among experts that complete accuracy or the measurement of the full extent of crime may never be achieved. To have a clear picture of the levels of crime, ...
Child-friendly justice
Every child has rights and deserves protection. It is estimated that around 2.5 million children in the European Union come into contact with the justice system every year. This can be a very stressful and even harmful experience for a child, who may participate in criminal proceedings as either a victim, a witness or a perpetrator. Children can also be parties to civil proceedings such as divorce, custody or adoption procedures, as well as administrative procedures, for example those related to ...
Human trafficking: The gender dimension
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. It has been on the rise because of increasing mobility, the spread of internet use and the generally low risks and high profit involved. The true extent of the problem can only be estimated, as complete statistics are not available and data are difficult to collect. However, even without exact numbers, it can be observed that a victim's gender influences the likelihood, manner and purpose of their being exploited. Available data ...
Violence against children in the European Union: Current situation
Violence against children takes various forms and occurs in different contexts. It can have serious, harmful consequences in both the short and long term, and estimates of the scale of the problem are alarming. Resulting from a complex interaction of various risk factors, this violence can nevertheless be avoided through effective prevention policies. A number of international instruments have been adopted to safeguard and promote children's rights. The cornerstone in this framework of instruments ...
Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Magnus Brunner – Internal Affairs and Migration
Magnus Brunner has been Austria's federal minister for finance since December 2021. Prior to this role, he served as a state secretary in the Federal Ministry of Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology from 2020 to 2021. From 2018 to 2020, Brunner was vice-president of the Federal Council of Austria, after having served as a member of this institution from 2009 to 2020. Additionally, he served on the Municipal Council of the Höchst Municipality from 2000 to 2004 ...
Regulation of prostitution in the European Union: Laws and policies in selected EU Member States
Considerable differences of opinion characterise the public debate on the regulation of prostitution in the EU. This results in a complex legal and policy landscape. A lack of comprehensive statistical data complicates the picture, and the choices legislators make are deeply rooted in overarching ideological approaches. At EU level, the European Ϸվ has long been the primary forum for debating prostitution issues.
Preventing and combating trafficking in human beings
On 19 December 2022, the European Commission put forward a proposal for the targeted revision of Directive 2011/36/EU – the main EU instrument to combat trafficking in human beings and to protect its victims. Despite progress achieved in fighting this crime, the Commission reports that, on average, over 7 000 people per year fall victim to human trafficking in the EU. Forms of exploitation have evolved and adapted to the new environment. For instance, new technologies are used to recruit victims. ...
The transfer of proceedings in criminal matters
In April 2023, the European Commission proposed a regulation on the transfer of criminal proceedings between Member States. Ϸվ is due to vote on the agreement reached between the Ϸվ and Council during its April II session.
Revision of the Human Trafficking Directive
In December 2022, the European Commission proposed to revised Directive 2011/36/EU, the EU's main instrument to combat trafficking in human beings. During its April II session, the European Ϸվ is due to vote on the agreement reached between Ϸվ and Council negotiators on the proposal.
In December 2022, the European Commission tabled a proposal for a directive laying out harmonised rules on criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union (EU) restrictive measures. During its March plenary session, Ϸվ is due to vote on the political agreement reached in negotiations with the Council.