The justice ministers agreed on a general approach with regard to the proposal for a regulation on the transfer of proceedings in criminal matters, which will serve as a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament. Once adopted, the regulation will improve the efficiency of the administration of justice and strengthen the guarantee of the right to effective judicial protection.
They also held a policy debate on the reform of the victims' rights directive.
Also noteworthy is the adoption of the European e-Justice Strategy 2024-2028, which will guide the ongoing digital transformation in the field of justice in the EU.
Bolaños highlighted the value of this strategy to make justice "more efficient, more accessible and better prepared to tackle the challenges posed by technological disruption". The minister highlighted the Spanish presidency's commitment to digitalisation, which he said was "necessary for justice to continue to guarantee citizens' rights in an ever-changing environment".
The meeting also approved the Council's position and conclusions on the General Data Protection Regulation, five years after its effective application.
Response to Russian aggression in Ukraine
The justice ministers also discussed the European response to the invasion of Ukraine, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms the EU has developed to ensure the accountability of the Russian Federation.
In this regard, Bolaños thanked both Europol and Eurojust for "the magnificent work they are doing to advance in the collection of evidence", in collaboration with the Ukrainian authorities, to avoid situations of impunity.
The justice session also provided an opportunity to deal with other issues that form part of the Spanish presidency's priorities in the area of justice, such as the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking.
Other issues addressed included the functioning of the European Public Prosecutor's Office and its relations with the competent authorities in the member states, as well as progress towards the EU's accession to the European Convention on Human Rights.
The session concluded with the presentation of the programme of the forthcoming EU Council Presidency, which will be held by Belgium, and with Minister Bolaños thanking all those present for their exceptional work, which has ensured the Community's principles and values in the area of justice.
Non official translation
The Minister for the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, Félix Bolaños, Félix Bolaños, chairs the justice session of the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) of the EU (Pool Moncloa / Raúl Salgado)