On Wednesday 21 October 2015, Coreper (The Committee of Permanent Representatives) acted on behalf of the Council of the EU to approve a compromise agreed with the European Parliament aimed at promoting the free movement of citizens.
The agreement will aim to simplify procedures for cross-border use of public documents relating to civil status, the right to vote, criminal record checks and birth certificates. These new regulations will allow for the circulation of such documents without required legalisation or similar formalities.
Citizens will be able to use their right to free movement and residence with less red tape involved, with costs reduced in presenting public documents from their country of nationality to the authorities of another Member State.
"I am convinced of the added value of this new instrument and the beneficial consequences it will bring," commented Félix Braz, Minister of Justice and President of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council who welcomed Coreper's confirmation of the agreement reached by the Luxembourg Presidency in talks with the European Parliament. "Indeed, this decision will have a direct impact on citizens who act across borders and will contribute significantly to facilitating their daily life".
The agreement endorsed yesterday by Coreper was the result of a trialogue on 13 October 2015 between the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the European Commission. Following the approval on the compromise from the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament on 12 November 2015, the legal texts will then be submitted to the December Council for political agreement.
Photo by IEEP
