Justice and Home Affairs Council, 08-09/03/2018 - Main results - Main contents
Live streaming
8 March 2017
08:00 Arrivals
17:45 Public session
18:00 Press conference
9 March 2017
08:30 Arrivals
10:00 Public session
15:00 Press conference
Estimated schedule
Main results
Home affairs (Thursday 8 March)
Cooperation with the Western Balkans on security
Ministers exchanged views on cooperation with the Western Balkans in the area of internal security and counter-terrorism, on the basis of the Commission communication of 6 February.
They focused on how to enhance member states' engagement with the Western Balkans and where to focus follow-up action. Ministers also highlighted a number of possible short term deliverables.
Security in the Western Balkans has a direct impact on security in the EU. We are committed to better cooperation with the region to counter threats from organised crime and terrorism, and so improve the security of EU citizens.
Valentin Radev, minister for interior of Bulgaria
The outcome of this discussion will feed into the upcoming EU-Western Balkans summit, which will take place in Sofia on 17 May. The Presidency also announced its intention to convene a meeting in June with Western Balkans partners at senior officials level.
Interoperability
Ministers discussed the Commission proposals on interoperability between EU information systems. These proposals aim to improve the searching and comparing of data available in EU information systems.
Ministers focused on whether the interoperability components proposed adequately address the needs, whether coordination should be provided at EU level to prepare the implementation at national level, whether any additional elements should be considered, and whether the Commission and member states should examine the feasibility of other elements to address the remaining information gaps and contribute to the completion of the interoperability landscape.
Following this discussion, examination of the proposals will continue at a technical level.
Background note on interoperability from the presidency
Infographic on interoperability
Other items
Over lunch, ministers discussed how to tackle terrorist content online most effectively. They highlighted the importance of continuing work on the various measures in place and on ensuring the big internet companies live up to their commitments.
The Council also appointed Catherine De Bolle from Belgium as the next Executive Director of Europol.
Europol: Council appoints Catherine De Bolle as Executive Director (press release, 08/03/2018)
Agenda highlights
Justice (Friday 9 March)
Justice ministers will discuss the so-called non-cash fraud directive. The directive aims to update and adapt the existing rules in light of the new challenges and technological developments, such as mobile payments and virtual currencies.
The Council will also discuss the Brussels II regulation. This is a set of rules that helps international couples resolve disputes over their divorce or the custody of their children across different EU member states.
In addition, ministers will exchange views on improving cross-border access to e-evidence, pending the presentation by the European Commission of a draft legislation.
Finally, ministers will be briefed on the state of play in the implementation of the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO). The EPPO regulation was adopted at the end of last year. It will bring together European and national law-enforcement efforts to counter EU fraud. So far, 20 member states have formally joined the enhanced cooperation.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3603
Brussels
08-09/03/2018
Preparatory documents
Provisional agenda, Justice and Home Affairs Council, 08-09 March 2018
List of A items, legislative deliberation, Justice and Home Affairs Council, 08-09 March 2018
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Justice and Home Affairs Council, 08-09 March 2018
Outcome documents
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