The European Parliament has adopted a resolution which criticizes domain name seizures of “infringing” websites by US authorities and seems to opposes the passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act.

According to the resolution these measures need to be countered as they endanger “the integrity of the global internet and freedom of communication.”

“”In preparation for the joint summit “United States – European Union” othe European Parliament today adopted a resolution including the freedom and security.”

“The resolution points out in Article 25, the need to protect the integrity of the global Internet and freedom of communication by limiting the unilateral revocation of IP addresses or domain names.”

Here is the resolution:

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to its previous resolutions on transatlantic relations,

–   having regard to Rule 110(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas, although many global challenges in the field of foreign policy, security, development and the environment call for joint action and transatlantic cooperation, the current economic crisis has leapt to the fore as the main challenge to be addressed today;

B.  whereas together the EU and the US account for half the global economy, and whereas their USD4.28 trillion partnership is the largest, most integrated and longest lasting economic relationship in the world and a key driver of global economic prosperity;

C. whereas the ongoing financial and economic crises, both in Europe and in the United States, are threatening the stability and prosperity of our economies and the welfare of our citizens, and whereas the need for closer economic cooperation between Europe and the United States, in order to combat these crises, has never been more pressing;

D. whereas the imperative of safeguarding freedom and security at home should not be met at the cost of sacrificing core principles relating to civil liberties and the need to uphold common standards on human rights;

E.  whereas the transatlantic partnership is founded on shared core values, such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and on common goals, such as social progress and inclusiveness, open and integrated economies, sustainable development and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and is the cornerstone of security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area;

25. Stresses the need to protect the integrity of the global internet and freedom of communication by refraining from unilateral measures to revoke IP addresses or domain names;

26. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the US Congress, the co-chairs of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue and the co-chairs and secretariat of the Transatlantic Economic Council.