On Wednesday 13 February, MEPs approved – by 480 votes in favour, 148 votes against and 36 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 recommend a financial package of €356 million at current prices, compared to the €305 million proposed by the Commission (see EUROPE 12186).
Several separate votes were requested by the EPP and ENF groups. In particular, the provision on support and training for civil society organisations active in the defence of victims (see EUROPE 12179) was maintained with two votes in favour.
On the other hand, the mechanism for supporting values, similar to the one inserted by MEPs in the 'Rights and Values' programme (see EUROPE 12174), was deleted from the text by 324 votes to 318 with 28 abstentions. The plenary vote also abolished the establishment by the Commission of a civil dialogue group.
The negotiating mandate will be voted on in the parliamentary committee. (MF)