EP-commissies Juridische zaken en Burgelijke vrijheden, justitie en binnenlandse zaken nemen Justitieprogramma 2014-2020 aan (en) - Main contents
MEPs reiterated the importance of training activities for members of the judiciary and judicial staff (practitioners, judges, lawyers, prosecutors) to improve their knowledge of EU law - but also to develop their understanding of national judicial systems. The goal is to foster a common legal and judicial culture, both in civil and criminal matters, improve the efficiency of policies to counter drug trafficking and other drug-related offenses and facilitate the access of EU citizens and companies to justice in cross-border disputes.
"It is another very important step towards the creation of a European area of justice. In the EU we have different legal traditions, but if we want the judiciary to function correctly, we must develop a common judicial culture, learn more about the different national systems. It is the only way to guarantee the best access to justice for our citizens," said Tadeusz Zwiefka, EPP Group Coordinator and Shadow Rapporteur on the dossier in the Legal Affairs Committee.
The Justice Programme ensures funding for and consolidates the activities previously carried out under the Civil Justice, Criminal Justice and the Drug Prevention and Information Programmes. By increasing knowledge of European law, of different national legal systems and of the various cooperation tools, the EU wants to enhance mutual trust and thus mutual recognition of judicial decisions in civil as well as in criminal matters. This, in return, would ensure an easier and faster way for European citizens to exercise their rights.
"Despite the economic crisis, it is important that there is sufficient money for European cooperation in the field of Justice. That is why I am very satisfied that there are increased opportunities for judges, prosecutors and lawyers to receive training on European law. Education is an extra stimulus for judicial cooperation in Europe," said MEP Wim van de Camp, Shadow Rapporteur on this dossier in the LIBE (Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs) Committee.
The programme allows the funding of actions such as supporting analytical activities, including the collection of data and statistics, or the development of common methodologies. It supports also educational activities such as staff exchanges, workshops, seminars, training of trainees. In addition, it funds mutual learning, awareness-raising activities, such as identification and exchange of best practice, networking between organizations and specialized agencies, including at local, regional and national levels.