Justice affairs under Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU
Finland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2019.
The priorities for Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union are to strengthen common values and the rule of law, make the EU more competitive and socially inclusive, strengthen the EU’s position as a global leader in climate action and protect the security of citizens comprehensively.
The Finnish Presidency is committed to promoting transparency, good governance and better regulation.
Rule of law and common values
Work to strengthen the common values of the Union and the rule of law will also be carried out in the judicial sector under the Finnish Presidency.
The EU ministers of justice discussed strengthening rule of law at an informal meeting of ministers in Helsinki on 18–19 July 2019. The Finnish Presidency will also promote the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In December 2019, it will be 10 years since the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights was incorporated into the Treaties of the Union by the Treaty of Lisbon. During its Presidency, Finland will work closely with the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.
In order to strengthen consumer rights in the internal market, negotiations will continue under the Finnish Presidency on a directive that would create a new European remedy, the representative action. The idea is to improve the consumer’s chances to receive compensation for losses suffered as a result of infringements by traders of consumer rights legislation.
Ensuring comprehensive security for citizens
The overall security of citizens requires effectiveness of the entire criminal procedure chain. Mutual recognition and mutual trust must be strengthened in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters. During Finnish Presidency, the JHA Council will discuss the effectiveness of EU anti-corruption measures, pursue preparations for establishing the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and decide on further steps to improve the situation of crime victims.
Several issues related to digitalisation will also feature on the agenda.
Contact information
Eeva Aittoniemi, Ministerial Adviser
Ministry of Justice, Management Support and Core Services, EU and International Affairs international cooperation, general issues Justice and Home Affairs Council Telephone:0295150170 Email Address: [email protected]
Katja Huumo, Chief Specialist
Ministry of Justice, Department for Private Law and Administration of Justice, Legal Protection Services Telephone:0295150113 Email Address: [email protected]