Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States (Coreper) will discuss for the fourth time, on Friday 6 March, the strategic guidelines that the Council of the EU will adopt for the next 5 years in terms of justice and home affairs (see EUROPE 12279/1)
If Coreper gives the go-ahead to the text, the strategic guidelines will be submitted for approval to the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 13 March 2020, before being adopted by the European Council on 26 and 27 March.
Compared to the first draft compromise, which was discussed in early February (see EUROPE 12418/9), the text that will be submitted to Coreper—dated 2 March and a copy of which was provided to EUROPE—includes several additions.
The section on migration, in particular, has undergone multiple changes. “With a view to more efficient management of migratory flows at all stages, combatting illegal migration and tackling associated challenges, such as migrant smuggling and secondary movements, we will continue developing our common migration and asylum policies in a comprehensive manner”, it reads.
The EU Council's legislative agenda in this area will largely depend on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum announced by the European Commission (see EUROPE 12411/1).
The text further calls for the establishment of a “structured migration management mechanism, with real-time monitoring, early warning and a centralised, coordinated EU response to mobilise structures, tools, human and financial resources as needed, across EU institutions and agencies and in cooperation with Member States”.
The draft compromise that is currently on the table continues to emphasise mutual trust between Member States.
In particular, a new paragraph has been added to clarify that the relevant frameworks for the protection of EU citizens from third countries’ potential misuse of legal assistance requests, including extradition, must be strengthened.
The text also states that “strict control” over who enters the EU and the Schengen area would increase trust between Member States.
As regards the Rule of law, the document states that the General Affairs Council will continue discussions on the Rule of law, while the Ministers for Justice also agreed to continue dealing with Rule of law issues falling within their competence.
Regarding the section on the mastery of new technologies and artificial intelligence, only a few changes have been made; it continues to stress the need for an ethical and regulatory framework to ensure the proper integration of new technologies. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)