Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001096/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)
Recent organised-crime-combating operations against Cosa Nostra in Sicily have shown there to be shortcomings in the penal system, which allow the heads of organised crime gangs to continue to run their criminal activities, even while in jail[1]. Despite the adoption of maximum security systems, there is still a shortage of resources and a need for more effective cooperation between European authorities.
On top of this, reports concerning the release of Mafia bosses have raised doubts as to the transparency and effectiveness of the Italian penal system[2].
This situation would seem to be putting police informers at serious risk of retaliation, and highlights the need for proper support and protection[3].
It seems clear that there is an urgent need to establish a uniform European detention system for high-risk prisoners[4].
In view of the above, can the Commission state:
- 1.What specific measures are being planned to improve cooperation between national authorities in order to strengthen detention systems for members of high-risk organised crime gangs and furthermore, are legislative initiatives being planned in respect of the combating of organised crime in order to strengthen investigative and security measures within European prisons?
- 2.What steps can be taken to improve protection and support for police informants across the EU so as to ensure their safety and opportunities for reintegration without risk of retaliation?
- 3.How many additional places have been created in European prisons through the construction of prisons using EU funds?
Submitted: 13.3.2025
- [1] https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2025/02/mafia-maxi-retata-dei-carabinieri-a-palermo-oltre-180-ordinanze-cautelari-7502ca17-6e4b-4260-af45-e3ade32d2b9b.html
- [2] https://palermo.repubblica.it/cronaca/2025/03/09/news/lista_boss_scarcerati_antimafia_dap-424051354/
- [3] https://www.antimafiaduemila.com/home/mafie-news/309-topnews/104210-mistero-attorno-ai-boss-scarcerati-la-lista-del-dap-e-top-secret.html
- [4] The basis for a proposal for a special European detention system is contained in Articles 82 and 83 TFEU and two European Parliament resolutions: the resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption and money laundering: recommendations on action and initiatives to be taken (final report) (2013/2107(INI)), paragraph 84; and the resolution on organised crime in the European Union (2010/2309(INI)), paragraph 32.