On Monday 4 February, MEPs from the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties (LIBE) and Legal Affairs (JURI) adopted – by 46 votes in favour, 6 votes against and 2 abstentions – the draft report prepared by Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, Finland) and Josef Weidenholzer (S&D, Austria) on the Justice programme for 2021-2027, aimed at promoting the establishment of a European area of justice based on mutual trust (see EUROPE 12030).
MEPs agreed on a financial package of €356 million at current prices, compared to the €305 million proposed by the Commission. In their report, the co-rapporteurs had initially proposed a financial envelope of €400 million at current prices.
MEPs want the programme to focus in particular on judicial independence and impartiality of justice, mutual recognition and trust, the development of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.
They also wanted to increase support and training for civil society organisations who act in defence of victims and specialise in appeals (see EUROPE 12179), and to integrate a gender perspective into the programme.
The text also emphasises the training of justice professionals in respect of the obstacles faced by vulnerable persons. These include children, ethnic minorities, LGBTI people, people with disabilities and victims of gender-based violence.
MEPs also suggested that the Commission set up a "civil dialogue group" to ensure "regular, open and transparent” dialogue with the beneficiaries of the programme and other relevant stakeholders, in order to exchange experiences and discuss the implementation of the programme's priorities.
A Values Support Mechanism, similar to the one inserted by MEPs in the ‘Rights and Values’ programme, has also been added (see EUROPE 12174). It provides that, in exceptional cases, when there is a serious and rapid deterioration of a situation in a Member State and fundamental values are threatened, the Commission may launch a call for proposals under an accelerated procedure in order to finance civil society organisations and facilitate and support democratic dialogue in that country.
The vote in plenary session is expected to take place in March. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)