Post Your Questions for Minister Ivan Langer

Czech Interior Minister Ivan Langer will answer your questions in the Czech and English chat on Monday 19 January at 10:00, after the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs.

At the informal meeting, Interior Ministers from the EU Member States discussed, among other things, the use of modern technologies for security and safe use of modern technologies. You can start posting your questions concerning the results of the informal meeting on Sunday 18 January 2009 in the evening. After the chat has been closed, the most interesting questions and answers from both linguistic versions will be published in the ’News and Documents’ section on our homepage www.eu2009.cz.

The chat will be conducted simultaneously in two linguistic versions – in Czech for the local public and in English for readers abroad. The Czech and English questions appear only in their respective linguistic versions. To read all the questions answered by the Deputy Prime Minister, open both chat versions.

Questions and Answers

F.A.Vronski, 19. 1. 2009, 9:06
Dear Mr. Langer, I have a question concerning software criminality. Many Eastern European countries have problems with software piracy - does the EU put pressure on the Czech Republic (or on other countries) to fight software piracy with more intensity? Or does the EU leave this issue in the hands of member states? How much effort does the Czech police put into fighting software piracy?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:28
As to the pressure to fight the so-called software piracy, the effort is developed directly at the international level, as supported by international conventions. These conventions are, of course, applied also in the individual EU countries. These are mainly the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the Universal Copyright Convention. These conventions implement clear tasks and responsibilities to the national legislations relating to the liability to sanction the infringement of copyright. The enforcement of the Conventions is enhanced by extended public awareness and the professionalisation activities at the European level supported by the EU. Up to a certain percentage, this is the matter of an appropriate setting of the government law-enforcing system. However, up from a certain level, this law can only be enforced by appealing to the stronger moral values of the society in question. This is only possible at the national level, albeit with the support of the EU. The proof of the above is e.g. the fact that there is no country in the world free of copyright fraud; according to the BSA study, the lowest rate of software piracy has been detected in the USA (21% in 2006). Just for information, according to the BSA study, the Czech Republic’s rate of software piracy in 2006 amounted to 39%. The problem, however, is not limited just to the Eastern European countries (I suppose you meant the Eastern EU countries)), you have mentioned, but also exists in some Western European countries. For example, according to the above study, France’s rate of software copyright infringement amounted to 45%, Spain‘s to 46%, etc. To complete the picture, the highest software piracy rate amongst the Eastern European countries, however outside the reach of the direct competencies of the EU, is that of Armenia (95%).

Vincent, 19. 1. 2009, 9:00
Dear Mr Langer, are you happy with the way the Czech Presidency is coping with its challenges? Do you personally feel that you have much more work to do now?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:27
The conditions in which the Czech Presidency has to operate are far from being simple. The entire world is facing serious economic challenges and safety threats; and, moreover, by the end of our Presidency, the current term of the European Parliament is going to expire. I am convinced that none of the above will prevent us from doing good work during our Presidency of the European Union. During the six months of the EU Presidency, I will have even less time for my family than I have now, which is the thing I feel most sorry for. On the other hand, we are facing new tasks and challenges to cope with, and I believe my staff at the Ministry and myself will be able to accomplish them successfully.

B. Apfelbaum, 19. 1. 2009, 8:48
Hello, what exactly does the introduction of "biometric elements" in travel documents mean? What good will it do?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:27
Thank you for this question; I consider it very important to remind everyone of the purpose of the “biometric elements“ in travel documents. Passports with biometric elements will enhance the comfort of travellers passing through the airports – they will accelerate the check-in process since the introduction of automatic gates is planned in the future. Moreover, biometric elements in passports are efficient means against counterfeiting or falsification of these documents. They will also significantly simplify identification of the passengers, thus contributing to the fight against terrorism.

Arno Leyffer, 19. 1. 2009, 8:39
Dear Minister Langer, is there a plan in Europe to build more extensive DNA registries? Recently the European court of human rights decided that it is unlawful to retain DNA samples of innocent people, but Britain is quite fond of these registries. Do the Interior Ministers in the EU have a common view on this issue?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:27
No central database of DNA profiles is planned to be established in the EU. However, documents have been adopted with the goal of simplifying the exchange of information, among others also the information from the national DNA databases. Namely, it is the COUNCIL DECISION 2008/615/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, and the COUNCIL DECISION 2008/616/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the implementation of Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime). This legislation is legally binding for the Member States. There are other relevant EU rules which demonstrate the view of the Ministers as to the above issue (the Council of Europe documents). These are e.g. the “Recommendation No. R(92)1 on the use of analysis of deoxiribonucleic acid (DNA) within the framework of criminal justice system“, the "Council Resolution of 9 June 1997 on the exchange of DNA analysis results,“ or the "Recommendation No. R(87)15 regulating the use of personal data in the police sector“.

David, 19. 1. 2009, 8:37
What steps can and will the European Union take to reduce the sale of armaments by European nations to countries outside of Europe? What other measures is Europe planning to help bring about peace and stability in the world?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:27
I regret to say that this question is also outside my responsibilities as the Minister of the Interior. I can only refer you to the chat, if any, with my coleagues Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg (the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs), and Ms. Vlasta Parkanová (the Czech Minister of Defence).

richard vogt, 19. 1. 2009, 8:18
mr. minister what do you think about czech entropa sculpture in brussels? do you personally like it? do you think it ok that bulgarian toilet is removed/covered? is this not censorship? and most important - do you think czech diplomats would protest if it was in the position of bulgaria and it was shown as a big toilet?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:26
I do not think that the most important thing about this work is whether any of us like it or not. By accepting it, we have a chance to show the EU as a free space open to all ideas, not just to those that are generally accepted by everybody. Most countries showed sufficient sense of humour to accept the way they were depicted. This is also the case of the Czech Republic, while it is clear that many Czechs also dislike their depiction in the sculpture. As to your last question, I do not dare to answer it on behalf of all the Czech diplomats; I can only describe my own reaction. I would probably have a good laugh, but then I would search for the reasons which could have led the artist to depict my country as a large toilet; at the same time I would respect the freedom of expression, and I would not require that this part of a work of art is removed or covered. However, it is not the kind of work I would hang in my home …

J. Roper, 19. 1. 2009, 8:10
Dear Mr. Minister, what will be the specific advantantages of SIS II as compared with the original SIS? Why is the introduction of the new system important? How much will it cost? Will it involve any new responsibilities for European citizens?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:26
At present, the second-generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) is being developed; it should introduce new functionalities (e.g. biometric data of wanted or missing persons – photographs, fingerprints); it should also contribute to the efficiency of search in the Schengen zone, and therefore also to the higher level of security of the EU citizens. More information can be found on our website (www.mvcr.cz), or on www.euroskop.cz/schengen.

Basil Venitis, 19. 1. 2009, 7:35
Will you push to lower VAT? The most unfair tax is VAT, the calamity of EU; that's why Vatbuster Basil Venitis urges all Europeans to evade this tax of misery as much as possible! Europeans are yoked with a 15-25% VAT, value added tax. In Canada, VAT is only 5%. The burden of VAT falls on final consumers of products. VAT is a regressive tax; the poor pay higher percentage of their income. Revenues from VAT are much lower than expected, because they are difficult and costly to administer and collect.

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:25
I think this is rather a question for my colleague Miroslav Kalousek (the Czech Minister of Finance), who will certainly also join this chat in the near future.

Brusselsblogger, 18. 1. 2009, 22:39
What is the most important thing that you want to achieve during your presidency in the area of justice and home affairs?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:24
As the Minister of the Interior, I am only entitled to comment on a certain portion of the internal affairs. We have defined several objectives in this area, and it is very difficult to pinpoint the most important one, since all of them are vital. However, if you want me to point out just one, the generally preferred objective is the development of the European area of free movement of persons, while enhancing its safety and appropriate protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms.

Brusselsblogger, 18. 1. 2009, 22:37
What are your presidency priorities in regard to fight against terrorism?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:24
It will probably not surprise you if I say that our priority is that the EU should achieve better results in the fight against terrorism. We are going to focus mainly on the implementation of the document defining the single strategy to counter radicalisation and recruitment to terrorism. Under our Presidency, the second round of evaluation of the Member States‘ ability to respond to terrorist attacks is going to take place with the goal of detecting and remedying any weaknesses. The priority of the Czech Presidency in this issue is the Western Balkans region; we are going to strive to intensify the cooperation with our partners in this region.

Brusselsblogger, 18. 1. 2009, 22:36
Do you think a single European approach vis-a-vis Guantanamo (and what happens to detainees when it will be dissolved) would be useful? Or is it better when each European country decides on its own in this matter?

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:24
As to this matter, I definitely support the single approach across the EU. I shall personally participate in the meeting of the European Commission with its American partners in February, which has this issue on its agenda. Until then, I would like to refrain from making any further comments on this matter.

Peter Fürst, 18. 1. 2009, 18:44
What is a realistic timeline for the going live of SIS II if cntinued and what what in case the option of an alternative solution as per the suggestion of the Czech presidency. And what is the outcome as per your talks and feeling? What are the financial consequences in both cases. Is it a frame for the EU commission of: < 100 Mio &#8364; 200 to 500 Mio &#8364; > 500 Mio &#8364;

responded to, 22. 1. 2009, 16:24
SIS II is being developed since 2001. At present, the project is facing problems which will make its launch in September 2009 as previously planned impossible. It was decided to implement a series of interrelated measures proposed by the Czech Presidency, which should provide a solution to the existing situation. Sufficient information for decision on the further development of the project, including its timeline, will be available in June. The financial costs incurred in the development of the SIS II range in tens of millions of EUR. More information can be found on our website (www.mvcr.cz), or on www.euroskop.cz/schengen.

Ivan Langer, 22. 1. 2009, 16:22
Good afternoon to all of you, I am happy that you found the time to read this chat, even though I unfortunately could not participate in it live online due to work-related reasons.