We decided that counterfeiting is a real crime against industry, constituting a growing business for organized crime and is a real threat for consumers. Our proposal aims to eradicate safe havens for the criminal organizations on counterfeiting and piracy.

I am confident that the German government is preparing quite well against this terrible threat...this growing number of young girls forced to be prostitutes.

In form, the operation is not illegal. But it is a blow against the spirit of the European common market.

All member states are bound by their relevant international legal obligations, in particular those deriving from the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the Convention against Torture. I encourage member states and candidate countries to take the necessary steps to look into this matter where appropriate.