” “"We are very far from a situation of general respect for children’s rights and we do not always try to meet children’s and teenagers’ needs. The European Union can and must give essential and fundamental added value to this area". Franco Frattini, vice-president of the EU Commission, in charge of the justice, freedom and security division, explains at the EU Parliament in Strasbourg the "global strategy" that has been adopted "to promote and protect children’s rights". The EU Assembly itself, last Monday, when opening its session, had observed one minute’s silence to commemorate Stacy and Nathalie, the two little girls murdered near Liege: a crime that in Belgium brought back the worries aroused ten years ago by the paedophiliac crimes and the "Marcinelle monster", Marc Dutroux. The initiative of the EU Commission "concerns the internal and external policies of the EU and focuses on over ten of its areas of action, such as civil and criminal justice, employment, cooperation for development, trade negotiations, education and health". The head of the EU Commission, José Manuel Barroso, commented: "When I took this post, I committed myself to promote every initiative that will have a strong impact on fundamental rights"; "I hope the process we are starting will bring proactive initiatives that will strengthen children’s rights". (to be continued)” “
