AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
NEWS FLASH
27 June 2014
Today the European Council nominated Jean-Claude Junker as the new president of the European Commission, subject to a confirmation vote by the European Parliament on 16 July, Strasbourg.
If confirmed, it is crucial that Juncker works with the Council and Parliament to ensure that the European Union (EU) and its member states’ human rights obligations are fulfilled, and that human rights form an integral part of the Commission’s work plan for the next five years.
This is particularly important within the field of freedom, security and justice, following the Council’s adoption today of Strategic Guidelines for future policies in the area. The EU has a specific responsibility to develop protective migration policies and practices that respect the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, and prevent further loss of life at sea.
2014 represents a year for change in the EU. Incoming presidents of the new institutions must take full advantage of their new mandates to reset agendas and recommit to stalled promises in the area of human rights.
Only by meaningful leadership that is committed to concrete actions to protect people, can the EU truly define itself as a credible human rights actor.
For further information, please contact
Jemma Crew
Media & Communications
Amnesty International European Institutions Office
[email protected]
+32 (0)2 235 13 83
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