Plenary debate on the Presumption of innocence

I would like to thank the rapporteur Madame Griesbeck for her excellent job with this very complex and important file in negotiating with the co-legislators and in advocating the position of the European Parliament.

The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle of law and an essential element of the right to a fair trial.

The piece of legislation that we are about to vote is a very important contribution to guaranteeing fair trials in the European Union and ensuring respect for the rights of the defence as enshrined in the EU Treaties, the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

As EPP Shadow Rapporteur I am satisfied by this balanced document.

For us it was important to guarantee the rights of the suspects and the accused persons reinforcing the very basic principle of presumption of innocence to achieve the broad objective of greater protection for suspects and accused persons in Europe without endangering the essence of law enforcement.

I am glad we achieved a rightly balanced compromise and were able to set up a minimum standard in legal proceedings that once into force in all Member States will contribute to the efficiency of our common legal system in Europe.