MEP welcomes European guidelines freedom of expression

Member of the European Parliament Marietje Schaake (ALDE/D66) welcomes the new European guidelines on freedom of expression that were adopted today by the European Ministers for Foreign Affairs. In these guidelines, the ministers have taken up recommendations from the European Parliament that Schaake made in the past concerning digital freedoms and press freedom. The guidelines determine how the EU will promote and protect freedom of expression online and offline. "It is good to see that the ministers recognise the importance of freedom of expression, also online, and have made a number of concrete recommendations on how the EU can provide better safeguards. This document indicates that European diplomats will always publicly criticize restrictions to freedom of expression and will also address their concerns to local authorities. That would be an important step to place the subject higher on the agenda", says the MEP. Spying technology In the two reports that Schaake initiated and that were adopted by the Parliament, she proposed creating a European strategy regarding digital freedoms and press freedom in EU foreign policy. One of the crucial problems she addressed is the export of surveillance and intrusive technologies that can be used for serious breaches of human rights. Schaake: "All over the world, European technologies are used to repress people. The export of these technologies is almost entirely unregulated. In the new guidelines the Council acknowledges the problems and their impact. It has taken too long, but hopefully the Member States will finally be prepared to start closing the legislative gap." Internet governance In the document, the EU also recommits itself to promoting human rights online and the multi-stakeholder model in internet governance. Schaake: "When making decisions that impact the future of the internet we need to make sure that all relevant stakeholders have a seat at the table and are heard, so that we can protect the rights and freedoms of the internet's users. The EU should show leadership." The guidelines that were adopted today do not have any legally binding power, but they send an important political signal. "We need to make sure that these recommendations are fully implemented and adhered to, so that we can properly protect journalists, activists and internet users worldwide", says Schaake.