Minister of Justice of Luxembourg, Félix Braz, participated in the "Justice" and "Internal Security" components of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held under the Dutch Presidency on 9 and 10 June 2016 in Luxembourg.
Ministers deliberated on the legislative proposal regarding digital content supply contracts, which aims to boost the internal market and create conditions for the development of cross-border e-commerce. At a Competitiveness Council held in Brussels last month, the European Commission presented the package of measures designed to alleviate barriers for e-commerce across EU borders. Minister Braz has now reaffirmed the importance of creating a real digital single market which operates in a harmonised way whilst ensuring a high level of consumer protection.
The Ministers have adopted a decision authorising 18 Member States to introduce increased cooperation between themselves in the field of jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of judgements in matrimonial property regimes and the property consequences of registered partnerships. They also approved a general approach on the two instruments for the implementation of this reinforced cooperation, instruments which should be formally adopted after consultation with the European Parliament at the end of June 2016.
Regarding the European Public Prosecutor's Office, the ministers agreed to compromise texts on the management system for records and data, the implementation of a simplified prosecution procedure and financial and staff arrangements. Félix Braz congratulated the Dutch Presidency for its efforts to further progress on these complicated provisions to be negotiated.
To unblock negotiations with the European Parliament in the context of the protection of the EU's financial interests, the ministers discussed a proposal to harmonise the definition of offenses and penalties for certain cases of major VAT fraud. Minister Braz was of the opinion that the threshold at which criminal penalties are applicable should include the total damage to the national budget and to the budget of the European Union.
Ministers addressed a policy debate on improving criminal justice in cyberspace, both as a means of optimising procedures for judicial assistance and mutual recognition to obtain and effectively maintain digital evidence. The minister felt it necessary to innovate and achieve more direct channels of cooperation between the authorities responsible for the investigation and private operators.
The ministers also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the compensation fund for victims of crime.
On 10 June, Minister Braz attended discussions on the proposal for a Council Directive regarding the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons. This Directive aims to strengthen gun control in the EU and is part of the European security programme. Luxembourg has called for an approach involving fewer exemptions.
Photo by MJUST
