What changed

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

P10_TA(2025)0116

on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combatingCombating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast)

(COM(2024)0060 – C100028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD))

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

PE761.022

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 June 2025 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) (COM(2024)0060 – C9-0028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure – recast)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0060),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 82(2) and Article 83(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C90028/2024),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts,

– having regard to the letter of 27 November 2024 from the Committee on Legal Affairs to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in accordance with Rule 113(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to Rules 113 and 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality,

– having regard to the letter from the Committee on Culture and Education,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A10-0097/2025),

A. whereas, according to the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the Commission proposal does not include any substantive amendments other than those identified as such in the proposal and whereas, as regards the codification of the unchanged provisions of the earlier acts together with those amendments, the proposal contains a straightforward codification of the existing texts, without any change in their substance;

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out, taking into account the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1

Article 3 – paragraph 2

Amendment 186

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 49

Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point b

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The dissemination of child sexual abuse material has exponentially grown over the last decade. The increased online presence of children and the latest technological developments have acted as catalysts for this surge. Digital tools and networks such as livestreaming, virtual worlds, and deep-fake images have created new opportunities for offenders to generate and distribute material while hiding their identities and evading investigation and prosecution. These developments are underscored by alarming statistics. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a United States-based non-profit organization, witnessed a surge in worldwide reports of online child sexual exploitation from 1 million in 2010 to over 21.7 million in 2020. The figures skyrocketed to a record high of 29.3 million reports in 2021 during the pandemic, involving nearly 85 million images and videos. In 2022, the number of reports reached over 32 million, with NCMEC identifying 49,000 urgent reports involving a child in imminent danger.

The proposed recast of the directive on preventing and combating child sexual abuse represents a crucial step forward in addressing this heinous crime systematically within the European Union. The expansion and clarification of the definition of child sexual abuse material, to include AI-generated images and instruction manuals on how to sexually abuse children, represents a much-needed step forward. This draft report aims to improve and strengthen this highly welcomed proposal for a Directive. Key aspects necessary for the effective implementation of the directive include the following:

 It is imperative that this directive be closely aligned with the corresponding regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. The simultaneous entry into force of both instruments is essential for cohesive and comprehensive action against child sexual abuse. For instance, the new EU Centre, which is to be established by the pending regulation, is also pivotal for the implementation of this directive, underscoring the interdependence of these legislative measures.

 Another focus needs to be on enhancing cross-border cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. Strengthened collaboration between competent national authorities, Eurojust, Europol, and the EU Centre is essential in combating child sexual abuse effectively.

 Moreover, investigations into the solicitation of children need to be strengthened, and the mental and physical conditions of children must be taken into account.

 In addition to this, the limitation periods need to be extended to ensure prosecution of all crimes and give victims time to come forward.

 Furthermore, there is a need to systematically improve cooperation between law enforcement and NGOs working in this field. Providing a legal framework for the work of hotlines and other organizations working in the public interest, and allowing them to initiate notice and takedown procedures directly with service providers, is crucial to limit the dissemination of child sexual abuse material in our digital world in a quicker and more efficient way.

 The Directive aims to ensure that all Member States uphold the principles prescribed by the Barnahus model, involving a comprehensive and child-centred approach to investigations and victim support. A child-centred approach should also encompass easily accessible avenues for victims to report crimes without necessitating a formal criminal complaint, as the latter may deter victims from taking action.

 It is also important to consider the age of the victim as an aggravating circumstance and to ensure that penalties for child rape are not reduced because the victim happened to be over the age of sexual consent.

 Additionally, the terminology needs to be updated in accordance with guidelines set out by the interagency working group in Luxembourg in 2016, ensuring clarity and consistency in legal frameworks.

 Finally, the draft report emphasizes the need to support and enhance reporting mechanisms, facilitating the reporting of child sexual abuse cases and ensuring swift and effective action against perpetrators.

In conclusion, the proposed amendments outlined in this draft report are crucial for bolstering the EU's efforts to prevent and combat child sexual abuse, safeguarding the rights and well-being of children across the Union.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that he received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

ANNEX: LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON LEGAL AFFAIRS

27.11.2024

Mr Javier Zarzalejos

Chair

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

BRUSSELS

Subject: Opinion on a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) (COM(2024)0060 – C90028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD))

Dear Mr Chair,

The Committee on Legal Affairs examined the proposal referred to above pursuant to Rule 113 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure, on recasting.

Paragraph 3 of that Rule reads as follows:

“If the committee responsible for legal affairs considers that the proposal does not entail any substantive changes other than those identified as such in the proposal, it shall inform the committee responsible for the subject matter thereof.

In such a case, over and above the conditions laid down in Rules 187 and 188, amendments shall be admissible within the committee responsible for the subject-matter only if they concern those parts of the proposal which contain changes.

However, amendments to parts of the proposal which remain unchanged may, by way of exception and on a case-by-case basis, be accepted by the Chair of the committee responsible for the subject matter if he or she considers that this is necessary for pressing reasons relating to the internal logic of the text or because the amendments are inextricably linked to other admissible amendments. Such reasons must be stated in a written justification to the amendments.”

Following the here attached opinion of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the Parliament, the Council and the Commission, which has examined the recast proposal, and in keeping with the recommendations of the Rapporteur, the Committee on Legal Affairs considers that the proposal in question does not include any substantive changes other than those identified as such and that, as regards the codification of the unchanged provisions of the earlier act with those substantive amendments, the proposal contains a straightforward codification of the existing text, without any change in its substance.

In conclusion, at its meeting of 18 November 2024, the Committee on Legal Affairs unanimously decided to recommend that the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, as the committee responsible, continue with the examination of the above proposal in accordance with Rule 113.

Yours sincerely,

Ilhan Kyuchyuk

Encl.: Opinion of the Consultative Working Party

ANNEX: OPINION OF THE CONSULTATIVE WORKING PARTY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSION

Brussels, 26 April 2024

OPINION

FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

THE COUNCIL

THE COMMISSION

Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast)

COM(2024)0060 of 6.2.2024 – 2024/0035(COD)

Having regard to the Inter-institutional Agreement of 28 November 2001 on a more structured use of the recasting technique for legal acts, and in particular to point 9 thereof, the Consultative Working Party consisting of the respective legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission met on 23 February 2024 for the purpose of examining the aforementioned proposal submitted by the Commission.

At that meeting, an examination of the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council recasting Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA resulted in the Consultative Working Party’s establishing, by common accord, that the following should have been marked with the grey-shaded type generally used for identifying substantive amendments:

- in recitals 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 39, 54, 56, 58 and 59, in Article 1 and in Articles 2(3), 5(2) to (6) and (9), 6(2), 16(2) and (5) and 30(1) and (2), the replacement of the word ‘pornography’ with the term ‘sexual abuse material’;

- in recitals 3 and 28, the deletion of the word ‘pornography’;

- in recital 9 and in Articles 2(5), and 4(2), (3) and (4), the replacement of the word ‘pornographic’ with the term ‘child sexual abuse’;

- in recital 20, the adding of the words ‘not be considered to be committed’;

- in recital 20 and in Article 10(2), the deletion of the word ‘pornographic’;

- in recital 43, the deletion of the word ‘Particular’ preceding the word ‘care’ in the third sentence of recital 34 of Directive 2011/93/EU;

- in Article 10(1) and (2), the deletion of the words ‘who are close in age and degree of psychological and physical development or maturity’;

- in Article 14(1), introductory wording, the replacement of the reference made to ‘Article 12(1)’ in Article 13(1), introductory wording, of Directive 2011/93/EU with a new reference to ‘Article 13’.

In consequence, examination of the proposal has enabled the Consultative Working Party to conclude, without dissent, that the proposal does not comprise any substantive amendments other than those identified as such. The Working Party also concluded, as regards the codification of the unchanged provisions of the earlier act with those substantive amendments, that the proposal contains a straightforward codification of the existing legal text, without any change in its substance.

F. DREXLER E. FINNEGAN D. CALLEJA CRESPO

Jurisconsult Jurisconsult Director-General

5.3.2025

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY

for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast)

(COM(2024)0060 – C90028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Heléne Fritzon

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

On the 6th of February 2024, the European Commission published its legislative proposal for a recast of Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, as well as child sexual abuse material, replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA. This proposal aims to harmonise criminal law across the EU by addressing crimes such as child sexual abuse material, grooming, sexual assault and rape. The directive also seeks to establish robust measures for detecting and reporting online child sexual abuse, preventing such crimes, and supporting victims.

Child sexual abuse is a growing issue both online and offline. In 2023 alone, there were 1.3 million reports of child sexual abuse in the EU, amounting to over 3.4 million images and videos. Globally, reports have risen from 1 million in 2010 to nearly 35.9 million in 2023, including 105.6 million images and videos. Alarmingly, 9 out of 10 victims are girls, according to INHOPE data. The EU continues to host the majority of child sexual abuse material globally, with 59% of such content being hosted in Member States, according to the Internet Watch Foundation.

The proposal highlights the need to address the misuse of digital platforms for distributing child sexual abuse material and grooming. These crimes predominantly target girls and young women, with male perpetrators being the majority. The Rapporteur emphasises the critical importance of recognising child sexual abuse as a form of gender-based violence and incorporating gender-specific approaches to effectively combat these crimes.

The Rapporteur suggests amendments to prevention measures through targeted awareness campaigns by age and gender. Emphasizing the principle that only an explicit and informed ‘yes’ constitutes consent, the directive must ensure that consent is central to all prevention and support measures. Support for victims and survivors must be specialised and include an integrated gender perspective. To this end, the creation of an EU Centre is strongly endorsed, alongside the establishment of an Advisory Board composed of survivors and children’s rights experts. This board would provide guidance on children’s rights, prevention strategies, and victim support to the governance structures of the EU Centre.

Finally, the Rapporteur believes that this Directive could make a significant difference in combating child sexual abuse for all children. This exponential growth in the dissemination of child sexual abuse material underscores the urgency of updated legislation.

AMENDMENT

The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality submits the following to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11

Amendment 2

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11 a (new)

Amendment 3

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11 b (new)

Amendment 4

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11 c (new)

Amendment 5

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11 d (new)

Amendment 6

Proposal for a directive

Recital 11 e (new)

Amendment 7

Proposal for a directive

Recital 12

Amendment 8

Proposal for a directive

Recital 22

Amendment 9

Proposal for a directive

Recital 24

Amendment 10

Proposal for a directive

Recital 26

Amendment 11

Proposal for a directive

Recital 31

Amendment 12

Proposal for a directive

Recital 31 a (new)

Amendment 13

Proposal for a directive

Recital 33

Amendment 14

Proposal for a directive

Recital 34

Amendment 15

Proposal for a directive

Recital 34 a (new)

Amendment 16

Proposal for a directive

Recital 34 b (new)

Amendment 17

Proposal for a directive

Recital 36

Amendment 18

Proposal for a directive

Recital 36 a (new)

Amendment 19

Proposal for a directive

Recital 37

Amendment 20

Proposal for a directive

Recital 38

Amendment 21

Proposal for a directive

Recital 39

Amendment 22

Proposal for a directive

Recital 39 a (new)

Amendment 23

Proposal for a directive

Recital 39 b (new)

Amendment 24

Proposal for a directive

Recital 40

Amendment 25

Proposal for a directive

Recital 40 a (new)

Amendment 26

Proposal for a directive

Recital 43

Amendment 27

Proposal for a directive

Recital 43 a (new)

Amendment 28

Proposal for a directive

Recital 43 b (new)

Amendment 29

Proposal for a directive

Recital 46

Amendment 30

Proposal for a directive

Recital 54 a (new)

Amendment 31

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)

Amendment 32

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a

Amendment 33

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b

Amendment 34

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)

Amendment 35

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point d

Amendment 36

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Amendment 37

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Amendment 38

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – introductory part

Amendment 39

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)

Amendment 40

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 b (new)

Amendment 41

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5 c (new)

Amendment 42

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Amendment 43

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new)

Amendment 44

Proposal for a directive

Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 8 b (new)

Amendment 45

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – title

Amendment 46

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Amendment 47

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 3

Amendment 48

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 4

Amendment 49

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point a

Amendment 50

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point b

Amendment 51

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 5 – point c

Amendment 52

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 6

Amendment 53

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 7 – point b

Amendment 54

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 8

Amendment 55

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 9 – point a

Amendment 56

Proposal for a directive

Article 3 – paragraph 9 – point c

Amendment 57

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 2

Amendment 58

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 3

Amendment 59

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 4

Amendment 60

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 5

Amendment 61

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 6

Amendment 62

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 7

Amendment 63

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 7 a (new)

Amendment 64

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 7 b (new)

Amendment 65

Proposal for a directive

Article 4 – paragraph 7 c (new)

Amendment 66

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 4

Amendment 67

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 – paragraph 5

Amendment 68

Proposal for a directive

Article 5 a (new)

Amendment 69

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 70

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 71

Proposal for a directive

Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1

Amendment 72

Proposal for a directive

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Amendment 73

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 1

Amendment 74

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 2

Amendment 75

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

Amendment 76

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1

Amendment 77

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3

Amendment 78

Proposal for a directive

Article 10 – paragraph 6

Amendment 79

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment 80

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g

Amendment 81

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)

Amendment 82

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point h

Amendment 83

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)

Amendment 84

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)

Amendment 85

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point j b (new)

Amendment 86

Proposal for a directive

Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point j c (new)

Amendment 87

Proposal for a directive

Article 12 – paragraph 1

Amendment 88

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1

Amendment 89

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a

Amendment 90

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b

Amendment 91

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c

Amendment 92

Proposal for a directive

Article 16 – paragraph 4

Amendment 93

Proposal for a directive

Article 17 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 94

Proposal for a directive

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Amendment 95

Proposal for a directive

Article 18 – paragraph 2

Amendment 96

Proposal for a directive

Article 20 – paragraph 1

Amendment 97

Proposal for a directive

Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 98

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 1

Amendment 99

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 100

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 2

Amendment 101

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 102

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 2 b (new)

Amendment 103

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment 104

Proposal for a directive

Article 21 – paragraph 9 – point c a (new)

Amendment 105

Proposal for a directive

Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment 106

Proposal for a directive

Article 22 – paragraph 2

Amendment 107

Proposal for a directive

Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)

Amendment 108

Proposal for a directive

Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)

Amendment 109

Proposal for a directive

Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point g

Amendment 110

Proposal for a directive

Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 111

Proposal for a directive

Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point a

Amendment 112

Proposal for a directive

Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point b

Amendment 113

Proposal for a directive

Article 23 – paragraph 3 – point c

Amendment 114

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 1

Amendment 115

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 2

Amendment 116

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment 117

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 3

Amendment 118

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1

Amendment 119

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 – point a

Amendment 120

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3

Amendment 121

Proposal for a directive

Article 28 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)

Amendment 122

Proposal for a directive

Article 29 – paragraph 1

Amendment 123

Proposal for a directive

Article 31 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Amendment 124

Proposal for a directive

Article 31 – paragraph 2 – point b

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for the opinion received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion:

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

4.2.2025

LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION

Mr Javier Zarzalejos

Chair

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

BRUSSELS

Subject: Opinion on a Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) (COM(2024)0060 – C90028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD))

Dear Mr Chair,

Under the procedure referred to above, the Committee on Culture and Education has been granted an opinion to your committee. At their meeting of 21 October 2024, the coordinators decided to send the opinion in the form of a letter. They considered the matter and endorsed the opinion on 03 December 2024.

The Committee on Culture and Education adopted the following position on 30 January 2025 and I call on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following suggestions into its final report.

Yours sincerely,

Nela Riehl

SUGGESTIONS

A. European strategies and national frameworks

Stresses the importance of mentioning the new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) as the digital arm of the rights of the child strategy to protect and empower young people online (Recital 3, Recital 40) and of the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade (Recital 3). Member States should adopt comprehensive frameworks to ensure that children's digital rights are prioritised, by combining prevention and education, with a particular focus on inclusive and equal access to a safe digital environment, justice and care for all children.

B. Online solicitation of children

Highlights the importance of continuously addressing emerging challenges, especially in the online environment, including in virtual worlds, and to carry out periodic evaluations of the legal framework; emphasizes the urgent need to address more effectively the solicitation of children, covering both in person and online means of communication, and explicitly include meetings taking place in both real and virtual worlds under Article 6, paragraph 1 (a).

C. Hotlines, helplines and support services

Underlines the role of hotlines and helplines to provide assistance to victims and their families, which should be mentioned under Article 21, paragraph 1; stresses that all support services for victims and their families should be comprehensive, specialised, accessible, child-friendly and available in one place, based on the “Barnahus” model (Article 21, paragraph 2);

D. Training for those interacting with children

Stresses the need for national frameworks to better integrate digital education and literacy at school as mandatory skills and an essential part of education; underlines that regular training should be provided for all those who have any contact with children, as a way to prevent and identify any form of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and ensure mandatory regular training for those working with children in all settings, formal and informal; stresses that volunteers and coaches should be mentioned in the list of those eligible to receive regular training, given their significant role in interacting with children and young people (Article 28 paragraph 2, Article 28 paragraph 3, Article 28 paragraph 4, Recital 36, Recital 46); this training must focus on creating equitable, safe, and inclusive environments for all children (Article 28 paragraph 4 (a));

E. Initiatives by organisations and safe spaces

Highlights that leading initiatives of organisations acting in the public interest against child sexual abuse, when these organisations have been authorised by the competent authorities of the Member State in which they are established (such as hotlines and helplines), should be included in the list of entities that contribute to the creation of safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for children mentioned under Article 28 paragraph 4 (c); those spaces must prioritise community-based and child-centred approaches (Article 28 paragraph 4 (c));

F. Indicators and monitoring

Calls for Member States to set up indicators to measure on a regular basis (i.e. yearly) results concerning their awareness-raising and victim assistance programmes, including the impact, outreach, and effectiveness of the activities carried out, to be mentioned under Article 31 (c). A separate chapter should be entirely dedicated to the results related to the most marginalised and vulnerable groups.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, Zala Tomašič, the rapporteur for the CULT opinion, received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for the opinion declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament's Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE