Minister presents the Presidency programme to the LIBE Committee

Francisca Van Dunem underlined the Presidency’s concern at the situation in Europe and in the world, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on society, the economy and the lives of citizens, as well as its responsibilities in the area of Justice, which should focus on the values of democracy, the Rule of Law and fundamental rights and freedoms.

Having been identified the political priorities – protection of vulnerable adults, counterfeiting and their links to organised crime and the digitalisation of Justice – other issues on the Justice agenda have been highlighted, such as the strengthening of the Rule of Law and the protection of fundamental rights, the fight against all forms of discrimination and hate speech, the prevention and fight against organised crime and corruption, and the fight against money laundering and terrorism, including their funding.

The so-called e-evidence package, consisting of a draft regulation and a directive, under negotiation with the European Parliament, has been identified as an essential issue, which the Presidency will follow up, given its importance in combating crimes committed in the digital environment and the need for preservation and rapid access to evidence.

The Minister of Justice pointed out to that the trialogue meetings between the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament will start soon, in order to reach an understanding between the institutions as soon as possible, so that this legislation can be adopted and enter into force.

The rights of the victims of crime have also been mentioned, in particular as regards the implementation of the European Strategy on Victims’ Rights 2020-2025.

After taking stock of the work so that the Public Prosecutor’s Office could take office on 1 March, the date announced for this purpose, the Minister of Justice answered a number of questions raised by the members of the LIBE Committee, which focused mainly on the freedom of expression and the Rule of Law, the protection of fundamental rights in Europe and on the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. In this regard, Francisca Van Dunem pointed out that she has already asked the Council to adopt the necessary procedures for sending the documentation requested by the European Parliament on the process of appointing European prosecutors, reaffirming her entire willingness to clarify any doubts that may still remain in this regard.