Subject: 'Legal' operation of paedophile networks in Europe - new Dutroux?

A 'paedophilia association' is operating legally in Denmark with its own website on the Internet which coordinates and organises paedophile networks at European and international level. Denmark is not the only example; the same phenomenon can also be observed in other countries.

This issue, in conjunction with the Dutroux trial being held in Belgium, after a delay of 7 years, has turned the spotlight once again on the criminal activities of paedophile networks in connection with which the EU recently adopted a framework decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

Will the Commission say whether the legislative measures and political initiatives taken hitherto have been effective, at European level, in combating this sordid business, which is a flagrant violation of human rights and human dignity? In particular, what will the Commission do to ensure Member States' compliance with the law and to prohibit the use by such organisations of the facilities provided by digital technology?