At the ‘Justice’ Council meeting held in Luxembourg on Friday 5 June, the European ministers approved a ‘partial general approach’ on the future Justice programme for the 2028-2034 period.
This text will serve as the basis for negotiations with European Parliament on one of the sectoral instruments of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028-2034). However, the budgetary provisions remain on hold, pending a comprehensive agreement on the future European Union budget.
Cypriot Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, who chaired the meeting, pointed out that the programme should support “the development of a resilient, inclusive, efficient and digitalised justice system based on the Rule of law, recognition and mutual trust”. The text reaffirms the objectives of the current programme, but places greater emphasis on the digitalisation of judicial systems and cross-border procedures.
According to Costas Fitiris, the technical discussions held successively under the Danish and Cypriot Presidencies helped to clarify several provisions of the regulation, particularly those relating to Member States’ participation in the programme’s management. The minister stated that the text constituted “a good basis for negotiations between the EU Council and Parliament”.
European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath welcomed the progress made. One of the few areas of disagreement concerned the programme’s management. Member States wished to remain involved in implementation decisions, contrary to the Commission’s initial proposal.
Furthermore, the proposed regulation provides support for judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, training for legal professionals and strengthening the independence of judicial systems. The programme also aims to facilitate access to justice and encourage the development of digital tools for cross-border courts and procedures.
In addition, Member States approved a broadening of the definition of ‘judicial staff’ to include other professionals involved in the administration of justice, such as lawyers, notaries, bailiffs, mediators and court interpreters.
During the discussions, Finnish Minister Leena Meri reiterated that funding for the judicial sector plays “a central role” in promoting judicial cooperation, the Rule of law and the efficiency of justice systems. She also advocated for digitalisation, which she believes will save resources.
Latvian Minister Edvards Smiltēns and Lithuanian Minister Rita Tamašunienė welcomed the reference to European historical memory in the text, as this would contribute, according to the Lithuanian minister, to protecting European values, fundamental rights and the Rule of law.
The Netherlands, which also supported the partial general approach, backed maintaining a role for Member States in decisions relating to the programme’s funding.
The partial general approach adopted by the EU Council now constitutes the mandate for Member States to open inter-institutional negotiations with the European Parliament. The programme’s final amount will depend on the discussions underway on the 2028-2034 MFF. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)