Brussels, 04/03/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 6 March, the European Justice Ministers will meet in EU Council to discuss the legal protection of vulnerable adults in cross-border situations, the fight against impunity for crimes committed in Ukraine, the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the independence of lawyers.
Adult protection. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU wishes to reach a political agreement (‘general approach’) on the proposal for a regulation presented in May 2023 (see EUROPE 13191/15) on the protection of adults - known as ‘vulnerable adults’ - who are not in a position to defend their interests.The text concerns cross-border situations involving these people, for example when a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other health problems needs to sell a property located in another Member State.
The regulation should improve the recognition of protection measures between national courts and strengthen cooperation between competent authorities.
Progress has already been made on several elements of the proposal during previous work carried out by the Member States, such as last June (see EUROPE 13658/1). A new version of the text is due to be presented to the Ministers to incorporate the latest progress in technical negotiations. If the general approach is approved, the EU Council will be able to begin discussions with the European Parliament with a view to reaching a legislative agreement during the current six-month Presidency.
Combating impunity for crimes in Ukraine. The Ministers are also expected to discuss the continuation of international and European efforts to ensure accountability for the crimes committed since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This discussion is a regular item on the EU Council’s agenda. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will present an update on current initiatives to support the investigation and prosecution of war crimes.
Fundamental rights. The EU Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This text follows on from the annual report published by the Commission in December on the implementation of the Charter (see EUROPE 13768/22).
The conclusions focus in particular on cooperation between European institutions, Member States and civil society organisations in order to guarantee the effectiveness of fundamental rights.
The Ministers are also expected to discuss the independence of lawyers in Europe. The discussion will focus on the role of the European Union and the work being done by the Council of Europe on a convention on this issue.
Organised crime. In addition, a working lunch will be devoted to ways of preventing members of criminal organisations from continuing their illegal activities from prison.
The Ministers are expected to discuss the various approaches put in place in the Member States to combat this phenomenon. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)