Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Security, Étienne Schneider, yesterday chaired the 'Internal Security' aspect of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Europe, where Ministers were briefed on the results of the first joint operation 'AMBER BLUE'.

The 'AMBER BLUE' operation was carried out by national enforcement authorities in close cooperation with Europol, which targets organised crime in the European Union (EU).

The Council then adopted conclusions to reinforce means for fighting against the trafficking of firearms. To this end, the Commission was asked to develop an implementing regulation to set minimum standards for the deactivation of firearms for the end of 2015. To complement this, the Council reiterated its call for the Commission to present a proposed revision of the Directive on firearms by early 2016. Member States were also encouraged to maximise exchange amongst one another through the interoperability and use of available databases.

The coordinator for the fight against terrorism presented a status report on the measures endorsed by the Europe Council of 12 February 2015, with Ministers outlining a series of actions on which special efforts should be made to strengthen the EU framework in this field. These efforts were requested to be developed by the end of 2015.

The Deputy Prime Minister also presented the progress made in terms of the implementation of the EU's internal security strategy.

Regarding the current legislative dossiers in the field of internal security, Étienne Schneider informed his colleagues of the advances in te new regulation of the Europol agency and the proposed National Response Plan (NRP) Directive, describing the state of play of negotiations. The objective of the Presidency is to provide the EU with an effective NRP system, respecting fundamental rights and freedoms. The Minister referred to the Presidency's commitment to complete the record by the end of the year.

 

Photo by European Council (Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Internal Security of Luxembourg, Étienne Schneider)