Agenda of the EU Justice Council, 14 June 2024

Location: Luxembourg

Legislative agenda

Ministers will hold two policy debates. The first debate touches on a proposed regulation that aims to facilitate the recognition in a member state of the parenthood of a child which has been established in another member state. The exchange will in particular address the recognition of surrogacy parenthood. A second debate addresses the proposed update of a directive from 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. The goal is to expand the definitions of these offences and to introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance to victims.

The debates will provide input to the ongoing expert level discussions in view of a common member states’ position.

The presidency will also aim to agree on a negotiation mandate (general approach) on a directive on combatting corruption. The proposal, which amends and updates the current EU laws on this issues, is based on three main pillars: prevention, detection and sanctions. Its mains novelty is to, for the first time at EU level, bring together rules on corruption in the public and private sector in one legal act.

Information points: drug trafficking & state of play EPPO

The presidency will inform ministers about its activities in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

The European Chief Prosecutor, Laura Kövesi, will present a report on the activities of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

• EU drugs policy (background information)
• European Public Prosecutor’s Office (background information)
• Opioids: a new drug threat for Europe (background information)

Fundamental rights

The Council will be invited to approve conclusions on enhancing and protecting free, open and informed democratic debate. The conclusions highlight the importance of freedom of expression and information (which are under pressure because of an increase in hate speech and disinformation) and recall the important role played by civil society organisations, journalists and human rights defenders in protecting and promoting freedom of expression and information.

The presidency will also present a progress report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The EU has acceded to the Convention in 2023. In December 2023, the EU participated for the first time in the committee of the parties of the Convention. The Council has in the past months been actively involved in preparing positions of the EU in the context of its membership. The Istanbul Convention is a treaty of the Council of Europe opposing violence against women and domestic violence.

• Fundamental rights (background information)

Preparatory documents

• Provisional agenda
• Provisional list of A items