We have to find out what is exactly happening. We have all heard about this then we have to see if it is confirmed.

We need to know exactly what is happening and what we're talking about, and I pledge my full transparency [and] coming back to you as soon as we know more of this information to inform you of that and any possible -- if necessary -- steps the European Commission would need to take,

[The EU executive will] at technical...level find out what the truth is in these stories, ... In that sense, we will check the accuracy of those reports..then further define our stance.

So far we have no reason to complain nor to suspect any unfair or inappropriate policy,

As far as the treatment of prisoners is concerned ... it is clear that all 25 member states having signed up to European Convention on Human Rights, and to the International Convention Against Torture, are due to respect and fully implement the obligations deriving from those treaties.

If German citizens, for example, who are vacationing in France, get robbed there, they can -- together with German courts -- apply for compensation from the French authorities.