Brussels, 5 June 2023
Home affairs
Asylum and migration
The main goal of the presidency in this area will be to reach an agreement on two key migration files – the asylum and migration management system regulation and the asylum procedure regulation. This would allow to start negotiations with the European Parliament. Both pieces of legislation are part of the pact on migration and asylum which consists of a set of proposals to reform EU migration and asylum rules. The external dimension of migration – i.e. cooperation with external partners to manage migratory pressures – will also be addressed.
Schengen area
When it comes to Schengen, the European free travel area, the Schengen Council will discuss the overall state of the Schengen area on the basis of the Commission’s State of Schengen report 2023. The Council will also define priorities for the Schengen area for the next 12 months and discuss the monitoring of visa-free regimes.
For these discussions the Schengen Council meets in the so-called mixed committee format which includes the EU member states plus the 4 non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen agreement (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).
- The Schengen area explained (background information)
- EU visa policy (background information)
- IT systems to fight crime and secure EU borders (background information)
Internal security/Law enforcement
In addition to an exchange of views on combatting violent extremism and terrorism, the presidency and the Commission will update ministers about the launch of a High-Level Expert Group on access to data for effective law enforcement.
The implications of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on the EU’s internal security and temporary protection for people fleeing the war also feature on the agenda.
Ministers will be invited to approve conclusions on strengthening whole-of-society resilience in the context of civil protection, including ‘CBRN’ preparedness. In light of the increase of complex and long-lasting crises, civil protection preparedness, including as regards chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents, is essential.
Justice
Media freedom
The Council aims to reach a general approach on a proposed law against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP). With this the EU is taking action to strengthen media freedom and freedom of expression in the EU. Its goal is to thwart unfounded or abusive court proceedings against journalists and human rights defenders and to lay down rules for financial remedies.
Fight against organised crime
Human trafficking
The EU is updating its anti-trafficking law. Among other things, forced marriage and illegal adoption will explicitly feature as types of exploitation covered by the directive. EU countries must also make sure that people knowingly using services provided from victims of trafficking can face sanctions. At the upcoming meeting of ministers of justice, the Council plans to agree on a common position in order to launch negotiations with the European Parliament.
Asset recovery & confiscation
Because crime should not pay, the EU is strengthening rules about the recovery and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds stemming from crime. Among other updates, member states would be obliged to enable the confiscation of unexplained wealth under certain conditions. The Council plans to agree on a common position on this draft law.
Violence against women
The Council will aim to reach agreement on a draft law on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Among other things it intends to criminalise a number of conducts across the EU such as female genital mutilation, non-consensual sharing of intimate images or cyber harassment. The proposal also deals with reporting of violence against women as well as measures of support and assistance for victims, including compensation and data collection.
Violation of restrictive measures
In order to bolster its sanctions toolbox, the Council is working on a new legislation to make sure that the violation of restrictive measures is criminalised. It would set minimum penalties for circumventing and breaching EU sanctions. The Council is aiming to reach a general approach on this draft legislation.
Other items
The Council also plans to approve conclusions on the safety of LGBTI persons in the European Union. Minister will furthermore exchange views on the judicial response to crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Source – EU Council