According to the German News Agency (dpa), Jochen Kopelke, chairman of the German Police Union (GdP), stressed the importance of such a measure in an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND): “With a common catalogue of fines, we can consistently enforce traffic regulations and increase road safety across national borders”.
Kopelke believes that this initiative is crucial in advancing the EU’s goal of reducing road accident fatalities to zero.
Dpa adds that the current disparity in traffic violation penalties across the EU presents a significant challenge to road safety. Traffic offences, such as speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol, are currently punished with varying severity depending on the country, leading to inconsistent enforcement and potentially undermining safety efforts across the region.
In addition to advocating for standardised traffic fines, the GdP is calling for a more robust and integrated European police force. As dpa notes, following major international events like the Olympic Games in France and the European Football Championship in Germany, the union has presented a programme aimed at strengthening police capabilities throughout Europe.
A key element of this programme, as outlined by dpa, is the proposed expansion of Europol’s powers and improved cooperation between national law enforcement agencies. The GdP has suggested that Europol should have the ability to conduct independent investigations under certain circumstances, marking a significant shift in the agency’s current role.
Moreover, dpa reports that the union is also advocating for a systematic recording of violence against police officers, reflecting growing concerns about the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel across the EU.