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EU and US strengthen dialogue on JHA issues

zchristidou — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 14:39:20 +0000

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Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou and Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection, Vassilis Kikilias chaired, on 25 June, in Athens, an EU–US Ministerial meeting on Justice and Home affairs (JHA). A number of issues critical to the European Union and the United States were discussed, such as data protection, migration, terrorism and judicial cooperation.

The meeting was attended by US Attorney General, Eric Holder, US Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström and Director-General for Justice at the European Commission, Françoise Le Bail.

Data Protection was one of the key issues of the day. The discussion provided for an opportunity to review the progress of negotiations on the data protection Umbrella Agreement. The US announced their intention to seek legislative action giving European citizens the right to judicial redress in the US, in case of wrongful disclosure of their data. “We welcome the announcement on judicial redress and consider it a crucial step to promote cooperation. The EU remains eager to secure an Umbrella Agreement, making for increased transparency and a substantive response to citizens' concerns on both sides of the Atlantic”, Minister Athanasiou stressed. On the data protection package in the EU, Mr Athanasiou noted: “The reform is aimed at securing concrete benefits and reassurance measures for European citizens and businesses, while ensuring equal protection for EU data inside as well as outside of EU borders”.

During the meeting, the consequences of the European Court of Justice judgment invalidating the data retention Directive 2006/24/EC were also explored. “This judgment has caused a lot of concerns throughout Member States. We will have to look carefully at the question of mass data collection in relation to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the position of the ECJ”, Minister Athanasiou stressed.

In the area of mobility, migration and border security, EU-US came to the conclusion that the systematic contacts will remain necessary to manage migratory flows, as well as to coordinate strategies to balance migration and development in regions of high priority for both the US and the EU. EU-USA also agreed that the increase in mobility to be expected following the Free Trade Agreement is a key topic to be considered in the Platform as well.

Regarding the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), the special significance of the inclusion of all EU Member States in the Programme was recognized. Also, EU suggested that the US, the Commission and the forthcoming Presidency should define the modalities of such a VWP – Action Plan. “We remain focused on having all remaining EU Member States included in the VWP. We are very willing to deepen our cooperation with you on this critical subject”, Minister of Public Order and Citizen Kikilias stressed.

Judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters was also a topic of discussion. Special focus was given to the effective implementation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement (MLA Agreement). “We very much value dialogue and practical cooperation on these matters”, Minister Athanasiou said.

The strengthening of law enforcement cooperation under the Passenger Name Records (PNR) Agreement on the processing and transfer of passenger name records to the US Department of Homeland Security was also discussed. “The PNR Agreement is one of the cornerstones of the EU-US security cooperation. The EU is eager to pursue its cooperation with the US under this framework, satisfying at the same time both parties' standards on privacy and the rule of law”, Mr Athanasiou stressed.

During the meeting, both sides agreed that countering violent extremism, preventing the radicalisation and recruitment of terrorists is more urgent than ever. It was recognized that the Revised R&R Strategy's update has special significance in relation to the phenomenon of foreign fighters. Based on the work of the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, the JHA Council discussed the issue extensively. “We are eager to deepen our cooperation with the U.S., through the strengthening of our dialogue and the enhancement of our information-sharing on this multifaceted problem”, Minister Kikilias underlined.

Both sides discussed the dimension of the global organized crime. Special focus was given to the developing creative frameworks of action against transnational organised crime. Minister Kikilias stressed that the creation of a legal basis in the light of promotion of democratic principles and relentless defence of human rights is the foundation of any successful strategy on organized crime.

Another important issue discussed was strengthening the EU-US dialogue on victims’ rights and disability. “The EU is determined to enhance its protection of vulnerable persons in the short and long run. We will continue to exchange best practices in this area with the US”, Mr Athanasiou said. Regarding disability, ways to deepen the cooperation with the US were explored. “As we seek to drive forward the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), possible mismatches in disability standards should be addressed proactively”, Minister Athanasiou underlined.

Both sides referred to the joint efforts in the areas of cyber security and fighting cybercrime. At the forefront of the discussion were the findings of the EU-US Working Group on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime and the so called “Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online”. “The Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online is our most powerful instrument to date to bring together decision-makers around the globe on this issue. We are committed to enhance mutual cooperation”, Mr Athanasiou stated.

Last, but not least, the incoming Italian Presidency of the Council, represented by Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, and Deputy Interior Minister, Filippo Bubbico, listed its priorities in the fields of Justice and Home Affairs for the coming semester.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

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EU-US Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs, Athens 25.06.2014

Greek Presidency reaches agreement on Data Protection, Insolvency (Luxembourg, 06.06.2014)

ekampaki — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:51:02 +0000

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During the last formal Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council under the Greek Presidency, EU Justice Ministers achieved a partial general approach on the Data Protection Regulation. The Council also agreed on a Regulation modernising cross-border insolvency rules and on strengthening procedural safeguards for children involved in criminal proceedings. The meeting on 6 June in Luxembourg was chaired by Greek Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou.

The Council reached a partial general approach on specific issues of the Data Protection Regulation. The agreement includes the territorial scope, the respective definitions of “Binding Corporate Rules” (BCR) and "international organisation" and the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations (Chapter V). As far as the one-stop-shop mechanism is concerned, the Council defined guidelines for future work. “We have devoted a lot of effort to this proposal. Sufficient progress has been made to support a partial general approach. Today’s agreement constitutes a good basis for future work”, Mr Athanasiou said.

The Council was informed on the state of play of the Directive governing the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties. The Directive is part of the Data Protection Package, which aims at enhancing confidence in the online marketplace and improving individual’s control of their personal data.

The Justice Council reached a general agreement on the proposal for a Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1346/2000 on insolvency. The new legislation will make cross‐border insolvency proceedings more efficient and quicker and respond to the need for small and medium businesses to survive the financial crisis. “I would like to thank all Member States for their cooperation. We have put a lot of effort into this proposal, which constitutes one of the key priorities for the Greek Presidency in times of economic crisis”, the Greek Justice Minister stressed.

The Council also adopted the revised list of Annexes of the original Insolvency Regulation (EC) No 1346/2000, which includes new insolvency proceedings introduced in Member States. Regarding insolvency, the Commission announced the interconnection, for the first time, of insolvency registers of seven Member States (Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovenia, Romania.

An agreement was achieved with respect to the Directive on procedural safeguards for children suspected or accused in criminal proceedings. “This is the fourth measure on the basis of the Roadmap on Criminal Procedural Rights that was adopted in 2009 and aims at enhancing procedural rights in criminal proceedings”, Minister Athanasiou noted.

Member States confirmed the priority competence of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to investigate and prosecute offences affecting the Union's financial interests. European Prosecutors will supervise investigations and prosecutions in their Member States of origin, while the Permanent Chambers will direct, monitor and, where necessary, give direct instructions. Moreover, the Permanent Chambers will always be responsible for certain key decisions, such as the closing of a case. The Council adopted the compromise text for the first 19 Articles of the Regulation, formulated at expert level, as a basis for future work. “Today we set guidelines as regards the structure and the concurrent competence of the Office. I think that we have now laid a solid basis to work upon”, Minister Athanasiou said.

Justice Ministers endorsed guidelines on the proposal for a Regulation on the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust). With regards to the creation of an efficient governance model, they expressed their support for an Executive Board with the participation of the Commission, which will be responsible for overseeing day to day administration and preparatory work for the College of Eurojust. This model would allow the College to focus on operational matters, whilst retaining overall control of the administration.

The Council confirmed the adoption of the second Multiannual European e-Justice Action Plan 2014-2018. “Further development of e-Justice is one of the cornerstones of the efficient functioning of Justice in the Member States and at European level”, Mr Athanasiou stressed. The Plan focuses mainly on enhancing access to information in the field of Justice, improving access to courts and extrajudicial procedures in cross-border situations and strengthening cooperation with non-EU countries in the area of e-Justice.

Final JHA meeting to tackle a heavy agenda (Luxembourg, 5-6.06.2014) - Day 2

ielmatzoglou — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 05:56:59 +0000

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Watch live from 08:30 (CET) here.

EU strategy for combating terrorism, Task Force Mediterranean and "smart borders" discussed by JHA ministers today (5.6.2014)

mvaroucha — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 21:05:10 +0000

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The future of the European Cooperation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs was discussed in today's Justice and Home Affairs Council, chaired by the Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Dendias. Plus, the Alternate Minister of Interior Leonidas Grigorakos and the Minister of Justice Charalmbos Athanasiou presented the work programme in the area of Home Affairs.

During the meeting (Justice and Home Affairs), ministers expressed their final opinions on the Strategic Guidelines for the future development in the JHA area in post-Stockholm period.

‘’The Council had during the Greek Presidency a lot of prioritiy points in our agenda, that we have been working on in the area of JHA. Today at this last Council meeting we had a discussion on the future cooperation and work in the JHA area” stressed Μr Dendias. The national delegations gave their views on the strategic guidelines and the main thrust for developing post-Stockholm Justice and Home Affairs. On the basis of this input, the Greek Presidency has prepared a letter for the President of the European Council Mr Herman Van Rompuy.

Ministers of the JHA Council agreed on the Draft of the Regulation on the European Agency for Cooperation and Training for Law Enforcement, which was a legislative priority of the Greek Presidency.

Minister Dendias underlined that “the Council adopted the draft review of the revised EU strategy for Combating Radicalisation and Recruitment to Terrorism, a matter that needs to remain very high in the common European agenda, given also the counter-terrorism perspective as regards the foreign fighters and returnees, in particular with regard to Syria”. Mr Dendias expressed his deep sorrow for the murderous attack that took place at the Jewish Museum in Brussels and his sincere regret for such actions. “These actions show that combating terrorism is still a very serious matter that needs continuous work”, he stressed.

During the Council meeting, the on-going legislative activity in the field of legal migration was also examined. The Greek Presidency provided an update on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, pupil exchange, remunerated and unremunerated training, voluntary service and au pairing. The Council took note of the information on the state of play of Students and Researchers Directive and noted the progress achieved on this proposal so far.

“Referring to the operational actions of TASK FORCE Mediterranean that were discussed during today’s Council, Mr Dendias underlined that their implementation should remain a top priority”. Also, the Council was briefed by the Commission on the legislative developments concerning sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals and the conditions of residence of third-country nationals for highly qualified employment (Blue Card EU).

The Greek Presidency also provided an update on the legislative initiatives regarding “Smart Borders”. During the official lunch, Poland informed ministers on the results of the informal meeting of Home Affairs Ministers of Schengen States with external land borders, held in Poland on 13-14 May 2014. At the end of the meeting, Italy presented the programme of the incoming Presidency.

The consequences emanating from the invalidation by the European Court of Justice of Directive 2006/24/EC on the retention of data were also discussed at the session.The Ministers adopted Council Conclusions on the Commission 2013 report regarding the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and heard the annual reports of the Fundamental Rights Agency and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EEMCDDA).

The Council also adopted conclusions on anti-curruption measures to be taken within the EU

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

Final JHA meeting to tackle a heavy agenda (Luxembourg, 5-6.06.2014)

ekampaki — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 11:16:07 +0000

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The last European Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council under the Greek Presidency will go through a heavy agenda. Key priorities of the Presidency, such as border security, terrorism, data protection, insolvency and the future development of the JHA area will be debated at the Council taking place in Luxemburg on 5 and 6 June.

Home Affairs

EU Ministers for Home Affairs will discuss issues related to security of European borders, terrorism, as well as the future direction in European cooperation during a formal Meeting of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) ministers on June 5 and 6 in Luxembourg.

The Greek Presidency represented by the Minister οf Public Order and Citizen Protection, Nikos Dendias and Alternate Minister of Interior, Leonidas Grigorakos will present the work programme on the Home Affairs items on June 5.

Initially, the Council will hold a policy debate on the proposal for a Regulation concerning the European Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Training (Europol). Ministers will pursue the conclusion of an agreement in terms of the future of both Europol and Cepol.

The Greek Presidency will provide an update on the current legislative initiative in the area of legal migration, that is, on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, pupil exchange, remunerated and unremunerated training, voluntary service and au pairing.

Τhe Presidency will present the state of play in the area of foreign fighters and returnees from a counter-terrorism perspective, in particular with regards to Syria. Ministers will also have the opportunity to discuss the revised EU strategy for Combating Radicalisation and Recruitment to Terrorism.

Moreover, the Presidency will provide an update on the current legislative initiative in terms of ‘Smart Borders’.

The Commission will present in broad lines its communications on the application of directive 2009/52/EC providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third country nationals, as well as on the implementation of directive 2009/50/EC on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment (EU Blue Card).

During the Mixed Committee meeting, the Council will be briefed by the Commission on the progress of the operational actions of the Task Force Mediterranean, as well as on the functioning of Schengen cooperation. Ministers will have the opportunity to exchange views on these issues.

Moreover, the Commission will present the developments on the proposal for a Regulation establishing a specific visa (Touring Visa), as well the developments on the proposal for a Regulation establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).

In the course of the Council of the European Union, a Swiss delegation will update ministers about the results of the 7th Meeting of the Global Forum on International Migration and Development, held in Stockholm on 14-16 May 2014. Also, Poland will inform Ministers on the results of the informal meeting of Home Affairs Ministers of Schengen States with external land borders, held in Poland on 13-14 May 2014.

At the end of the Mixed Committee meeting, Italy will present the programme of the incoming Presidency.

During the Council’s joint session (Home Affairs and Justice), Ministers will examine the future development in JHA area in the post-Stockholm period and have a final discussion on the draft Strategic Guidelines the European Council is due to adopt later in the month. The guidelines provide a roadmap for EU work in the area of Justice, Freedom and Security for the period 2015-2019. Special attention will be paid to the consequences emanating from the invalidation by the European Court of Justice of Directive 2006/24/EC on the retention of data. Moreover, JHA Ministers will discuss and adopt conclusions on the EU anti-corruption report, adopted by the European Commission in February this year. The Council will also hear the annual report of the Fundamental Rights Agency and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EEMCDDA).

In the margins of the JHA Council meeting, a Joint Declaration establishing a Mobility Partnership between Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the European Union and its participating Member States will be singed, in the framework of promoting cooperation between the EU and third countries of particular migration interest.

Justice

On the second day, the Council, chaired by Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou, will seek a partial general approach on Chapter V (Transfer of personal data to third countries or international organisations), the respective definitions of Binding Corporate Rules and "international organisation" and the territorial scope of the Data Protection Regulation. The Regulation aims at bettering control in personal data and boosting growth.

The Presidency will also hold an orientation debate regarding some proposed improvements to the one-stop-shop mechanism. This principle foresees one single supervisory authority for monitoring the activities of the data controller or processor throughout the Union in cross-border cases.

The Council will take note of the progress achieved at technical level on the other legislative proposal of the data protection package, namely the Directive governing the processing of personal data for the purposes of prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties.

The Presidency will seek a general approach on the Regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1346/2000 on insolvency. The proposal aims to facilitate insolvency proceedings and promote the recovery of viable businesses, while presenting a second chance for honest entrepreneurs.

The JHA Council is expected to reach an agreement on the Directive strengthening procedural safeguards for children suspected or accused in criminal proceedings. The proposal ensures that children are able to understand and follow the criminal proceedings against them and that they can exercise their right to a fair trial.

Ministers of Justice will also discuss the Regulation establishing the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). They will be asked to confirm the principle that priority competence to investigate and prosecute offences affecting the Union's financial interests will lie with the EPPO. Furthermore, they will share views on the model for supervision of operational work in Member States. Ministers will finally set guidelines for future work.

A new governance model for the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), which foresees the representation of the Commission in the College, will also be brought to discussion. The proposed Regulation aims at increasing Eurojust's efficiency and improving its operational effectiveness.

Lastly, the Council will confirm the adoption of the second Multiannual European e-Justice Action Plan 2014-2018. The Action Plan contains a list of the projects considered for implementation in the field of e-Justice. It aims to build upon the work already undertaken and should be seen as part of a broader evolution towards a European area of Justice.

EP adopts proposal for a Directive on conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of an intra-corporate transfer

itourimpampa — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:56:45 +0000

On 15 April 2014, the Plenary of the European Parliament approved the Report on the proposal for a Directive of the EP and the Council on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals in the framework of intra-corporate transfer presented by the competent Rapporteur and member of the LIBE Committee, Salvatore Iacolino.

The adoption of the Directive proposal finalizes the political agreement between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. This Directive proposal aims at (a) setting a common framework for a new fast track entry and residence procedure for intra-corporate transferees third country nationals, and (b) build a mechanism of simple and fast procedures for their mobility in the EU member states.

The Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the competent Minister, Ioannis Michelakis, extends his thanks to all members of the European Parliament as this decision of the Plenary brings to an end the difficult processing of the directive proposal which was initiated in 2010. Moreover, Minister Michelakis, extends his thanks to all member states of the EU, as well as to the General Secretariat of the Council and the European Commission for their crucial contribution to the achievement of the above agreement.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

Children first!

pmastroperrou — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:31:16 +0000

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In the margins of the Council on General Affairs and Policy of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, the Greek Presidency, represented by the Chair of the Working Party on Civil Law Matters, Professor Spyridon Vrellis, deposited on 9 April the EU’s instrument of ratification of the “Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance”. The ratification is considered an important step in the further development of the relations between the Union and third states in the area of maintenance obligations.

The Convention, along with the Protocol on the Law Applicable to Maintenance Obligations, was signed on 23 November 2007. Its object is to ensure the effective international recovery of child support. It puts emphasis on the “effective access” to procedures, recognising that small financial obstacles confronting an impecunious creditor may deter the bringing of an international claim. Applications for child support will be processed through a Central Authority established by each country. Each country should also provide free legal assistance for child support obligations in terms of the application process. Furthermore, the use of new information technologies is encouraged to reduce the costs and delays.

The Convention does not focus on the examination of decisions regarding child support orders, but rather on the creation of an efficient process to enforce those orders. To this aim, it foresees a broadly based system of expedited and simplified procedures for the recognition and enforcement of maintenance decisions made in contracting states. The habitual residence of either the respondent or the creditor in the contacting state where proceedings were initiated, are likely to be the principal bases for recognising and enforcing maintenance decisions in practice.

“I would like to congratulate Professor Spyridon Vrellis on achieving the ratification by the EU of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance. The Convention is first and foremost a measure to protect children. Its aim is to establish a comprehensive system of administrative co-operation between the Central Authorities of the contracting states concerning the recognition and enforcement of maintenance decisions through procedures which are accessible, efficient, cost-effective and fair”, stressed Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights Mr. Charalampos Athanasiou.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

Greek Presidency marks International Roma Day

itourimpampa — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 08:23:33 +0000

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On the occasion of the International Roma Day on 8 April, Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou underlined the EU’s commitment to the protection of Roma rights.

“The Greek Presidency affirms its determination to prevent and combat discrimination against Roma in all its forms and to facilitate the inclusion of Roma in the European societies”, Minister Athanasiou said.

Member States and the EU work together to promote the social inclusion and integration of Roma communities. As Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, stated a few days ago: “A wind of change is blowing”.

“The issue of Roma integration is now on the radar of most Member States. National governments are working to advance the development and to fully implement the National Roma Integration Strategies”, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Hellenic Interministerial Committee on Roma issues, Ioannis Michelakis, stressed at the Roma summit in Brussels on 4 April.

The European Union and its Member States have adopted a strong legislative framework and specific policies and measures to combat discrimination. Such legislation should be fully implemented in all Member States.

Member States have to remain vigilant. “Crimes against Roma must be effectively and promptly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted. If there is a discriminatory motive behind an attack, it has to be identified and unmasked”, Minister Athanasiou said.

Protecting fundamental rights is a key priority for the Hellenic Presidency. “Democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights are non-negotiable principles and values of the EU”, Minister Athanasiou concluded.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

Greek Presidency priorities’ course of implementation on justice and home affairs issues: Minister of Interior informs the LIBE Committee

mvaroucha — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:01:39 +0000

The minister of Interior Giannis Michelakis, addressed the Committee for Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament (LIBE) yesterday, 1 April 2014, in Brussels. The minister presented the state of affairs regarding the implementation of the priorities of the Greek Presidency, as well as the outcome of the recent JHA Council that took place on 3-4 March 2014.

More specifically, the minister of Interior mentioned the progress in the discussions aiming at formulating the strategic guidelines in the JHA area (Post-Stockholm Programme) so that these are adopted by the European Council in June 2014. These discussions were held during the informal JHA Council in January, as well as in the JHA Council on 3 and 4 March 2014. In addition, the proposals by the European Commission are being carefully examined and observed.

Moreover, Mr Michelakis informed the Committee on the legislation developments in the area of legal migration, namely:

- the agreement achieved by the Council and the European Parliament on the Directive on seasonal workers;

- the compromise reached on the Directive for intercorporate transfers, expressing the wish that this is confirmed at the European Parliament plenary in April, and

- the highest possible intensification of the work in progress regarding the Proposal on the recast of non-EU students and researchers that were initiated already during the Irish Presidency.

In addition, Mr Michelakis expressed his thanks to the competent rapporteurs and the chair of the LIBE Committee for their help and support towards the Greek EU Council Presidency, especially in regard to the discussions on the legislative proposals.

Finally, the minister informed the Committee on the very important EU-Tunisia Mobility Partnership concluded in Brussels, on 3 March 2014, in the margins of the JHA Council. He also referred to the goal of Greek Presidency to adopt the Council’s Conclusions on the Global Approach to Migration and Mobility.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

Justice and Home Affairs state of play: Greek Presidency results before the European Parliament LIBE Committee

mvaroucha — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:50:22 +0000

The Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Public Order and Citizen Protection, Patroklos Georgiadis, presented yesterday (1.4.2014) before the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament the results of the Greek Presidency of the EU Council in the field of Justice and Home Affairs.

The Greek Presidency has in particular thanked the European Parliament for the efforts taken to conclude the adoption of the Home Multiannual Financial Framework Regulations. By means of these Regulations, the Home funding instruments will be overhauled.

In the area of asylum and illegal immigration, all five recast proposals adapting the legislative framework of the CEAS have already entered into force: Qualification Directive, Reception Conditions Directive, Asylum Procedures Directive, Dublin Regulation and EURODAC Regulation. The aim of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is to establish an area with high protection standards and solidarity based on a common asylum procedure that is both fair and effective.

The Presidency has attributed special attention to the protection of the EU external borders. Great progress was made in negotiations on the “smart borders” package. The relevant legislative proposals were submitted by the Commission in March 2013. A considerable amount of work has since been devoted to examining them in depth and the first reading of the proposals has been completed by the competent Council preparatory body.

The European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on the draft Regulation regarding the Sea Borders Operations coordinated by FRONTEX. The Regulation is expected to contribute significantly to an effective border management at the sea external borders of the member states. The Regulation also caters for the promotion of solidarity towards those member states which, for geographical reasons, are most involved in sea external borders operations.

The Greek presidency attached the greatest importance to the follow-up of the work of the Task Force Mediterranean (TFM). Therefore, the Greek presidency decided to inscribe this item on the agenda of the JHA Council meeting, on 3 March 2014, where the Commission reported on the implementation of the thirty seven operational actions identified in its communication. Thereafter, the Council invited all the stakeholders - the EU and its agencies, the member states and relevant international organisations - to continue their active participation in the implementation of such actions.

The European Parliament and the Council have recently agreed on the legislative acts in the field of visa policy, which constituted another high priority for the Presidency. The legislative acts refer to the draft Regulation lifting the visa requirement on Moldova and the draft Regulation lifting the visa requirement for a number of Caribbean countries, for the United Arab Emirates and for Colombia and Peru. The Greek Presidency will continue to keep a close eye on the final steps of the procedure with a view to a quick entering into force of the legislative acts.

The Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a specific visa (touring visa) and the Proposal for a Regulation of the EP and of the Council amending Regulation and establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) will be dealt with as a matter of priority by the Greek Presidency.

Another important file for the Greek Presidency, which is also provided for in the Lisbon Treaty, is enhancing Europol. The Council on 3 March 2014 discussed the future of CEPOL. An overwhelming majority of member states agreed to the need to "lisbonise" CEPOL's legal basis so as to update its tasks and its outreach not only to senior officers and not only to police but also other law enforcement services. The Council therefore invited the Commission to present a corresponding legislative proposal as soon as possible. Apart from the need to update CEPOL's tasks and "lisbonise" its legal basis, the Council also had to find a solution as regards the relocation of CEPOL's seat. On the basis of member states' initiative the Council and the EP reached an agreement on the draft Regulation on the relocation of CEPOL's seat from Bramshill (UK) to Budapest (HU).

The Stockholm Programme has been and continues to be an extremely useful guideline to accompany and direct EU's efforts to build a comprehensive and ambitious vision regarding the JHA area. On the Council part, since the Athens Informal Ministerial meeting in January 2014, two full-rounds of COREPER discussions and the recent March JHA Council, the Greek Presidency is able to outline the main ideas and proposals of the member states for the future development of JHA. The Presidency is now reflecting on how to bring things further in view of the June Council and in view of the European Council.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)