On Friday 26 January, the European Union’s justice ministers will be meeting informally in Brussels. Three major topics are on the agenda: the fight against drug-related organised crime, different approaches to the regulation of prostitution and reforms to custody models.
The fight against drug-related organised crime will be discussed in the morning. The ministers will discuss the judicial elements of the EU action plan to combat drug trafficking and organised crime (see EUROPE 13274/1).
Proposed measures include setting up a European network of specialised prosecutors and judges and strengthening judicial links with states considered to be safe havens for criminals. This initiative aims to provide a robust response to the growing threat of organised crime, which generated revenues of €139 billion in 2019.
This strategy includes improving security at logistics hubs such as ports, dismantling highly dangerous criminal networks, implementing preventive measures to reduce criminal activity and strengthening international cooperation.
The aim is to create a more resilient environment that is less conducive to criminal activity, based on close collaboration between the authorities, law enforcement agencies and the private sector, while stepping up prevention and cooperation efforts on a global scale.
The lunch will provide an opportunity for an open debate on the various policies and regulations concerning prostitution. The ministers will be invited to share their views and initiatives aimed at strengthening the rights and safety of sex workers. This discussion is crucial if we are to envisage diversified and perhaps more progressive approaches to this sensitive issue.
Finally, the ministers will discuss the model of detention centres, with the aim of adopting Council conclusions in June. The Belgian example of detention centres focusing on the rehabilitation and empowerment of prisoners to facilitate their reintegration into society and reduce the risk of re-offending will be at the heart of the discussions. This topic highlights the growing importance attached to reintegration and rehabilitation in the EU criminal justice system.
Meeting documents: https://aeur.eu/f/al0 (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)