The European Parliament groups were united in an exchange on two texts of the ‘modernisation of justice’ package in the Committees on Legal Affairs (JURI) and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Wednesday 26 October. The two rapporteurs, Emil Radev (EPP, Bulgarian) and Marina Kaljurand (S&D, Estonian), presented the changes they intended to submit in the proposal for a regulation and a directive to digitise cross-border cooperation and access to justice in civil, commercial and criminal matters (see EUROPE 12844/12).
The draft directive is only intended to amend other European instruments that technically cannot be amended by the regulation. Emil Radev indicated that no amendments to the proposed directive were planned at this stage in the European Parliament.
On the other hand, the rapporteurs have something to add to the regulation. Overall, they want to strengthen the mandatory use of the decentralised IT system for the exchange of information and documents. They want, for example, to limit exceptions where authorities can disregard this decentralised system.
They also insist that any alternative means of communication must ensure the confidentiality and security of exchanges.
Furthermore, they emphasise the notion of consent from individuals for the use of videoconferencing in cross-border hearings. The confidentiality of exchanges during these videoconferences must also be ensured, both in criminal cases and in civil trials, Ms Kaljurand insisted.
Finally, the two rapporteurs’ amendments should allow more people to participate in a trial via videoconference, such as witnesses or experts.
The political groups in the European Parliament have until 9 November to submit their amendments on both texts.
In the EU Council, working groups are attempting to potentially reach a common position of the Member States in December (see EUROPE 13023/7). (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)