The Justice Ministers of the EU Member States will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 9 December for an EU Council devoted to judicial cooperation in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the harmonisation of EU criminal law, data protection, and the fight against drug trafficking.
Invasion of Ukraine. An exchange of views will focus on the fight against impunity for crimes committed since the Russian invasion. The Ministers will discuss cooperation with the future special tribunal (see EUROPE 13729/16) for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and support for the International Criminal Court.
Criminal law. The Ministers are expected to approve conclusions on “model provisions” to harmonise the main terms and concepts of European criminal law.
These tools, designed to facilitate a common understanding between the Member States and the EU institutions, are intended to improve the effectiveness of existing legislative instruments and enhance their implementation in the fight against cross-border and organised crime.
Data protection. An information point is scheduled on the agenda to take stock of the work being done to simplify the application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Combating drug trafficking. The Ministers will also examine the development of the European strategy on drugs and the action plan to combat trafficking, which will be presented by the European Commission. An informal discussion is planned on improving judicial cooperation with third countries, particularly for extraditions relating to organised crime.
Miscellaneous. The European Commission will also present its 2025 report on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as strategies for digital justice and judicial training, and the future Cypriot Presidency will outline its work programme.
Belgium should also inform delegations of the measures envisaged to support cross-border investigations into the recovery of criminal assets. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)