The Council of the European Union reached a partial negotiating position on Friday regarding the new ‘Justice’ programme, which is part of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, paving the way for the start of negotiations with the European Parliament.
According to a press release issued by the Council, the programme aims to support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, strengthen judicial training and promote the independence and impartiality of the judiciary across EU member states. At the same time, it seeks to ensure equal access to justice for citizens and businesses, based on the rule of law, mutual recognition, and mutual trust between judicial systems.
The position adopted is described as partial, as it does not include financial and horizontal issues, which remain under negotiation in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. In this context, the European Commission has proposed doubling the budget of the Justice programme.
In a statement, Cyprus’ Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris, said that the agreement marks an important step towards a more effective, accessible, and digitalised European area of justice. He added that the new programme will strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve citizens’ access to justice, and contribute to reinforcing the independence of judicial systems across the European Union.