Minister of Justice Félix Braz chaired the Justice component of the informal meeting of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs held earlier today to discuss anti-fraud measures within the European Union.
The Justice session followed an yesterday's initial meeting on the internal security programme of the Presidency, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Security Étienne Schneider; and talks on migration issues chaired by Minister for Immigration and Asylum, Jean Asselborn.
Justice ministers discussed the inclusion of VAT in the context of the fight against fraud affecting the financial interests of the Union by means of criminal law (PIF directive).
PIF Directive also serves as a reference for setting the material competence of the future European Public Prosecutor. According to the European Parliament and the Commission, a total exclusion of the scope of VAT would restrict the scope of action ofthe future European Public Prosecutor. As almost all Member States in the Council set themselves against the VAT exclusion in the PIF directive, the Luxembourg Presidency is now looking for an acceptable and effective compromise in order to advance negotiations on the FIP Directive and the Regulation establishing a European Public Prosecutor.
The Ministers then proceeded to discuss the creation of the European Prosecutor, a flagship project in the matter of criminal judicial cooperation. Ministers particularly addressed two aspects of judicial review of the European Public Prosecutor, namely cross-border investigations and other procedural actions or decisions taken by him.
Finally, ministers held a debate on the ongoing discussions for the revision of Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgements in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility repealing Regulation (EC) No 1347/2000. This rule, entitled Brussels 2a, which is the cornerstone of judicial cooperation in family law of the European Union, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. However its usefulness and effectiveness are not challenged, and Member States reportedly welcomed the European Commission for its initiative and demonstrated their interest in the proposed revision of the European Commission.
