Justice and Home Affairs Council, 10-11/03/2016, 10-11 March 2016

Main results

Home Affairs

The Council welcomed the outcome of the European Council on EU-Turkey cooperation. It helps both to curb the migration influx and to prevent people from putting their lives in the hands of ruthless smugglers. When an agreement is reached, the migration ministers will play an important role in the implementation of these measures. We are standing ready to do so. Klaas Dijkhoff, Minister for Immigration of the Netherlands

Migration

Ministers exchanged views on the current migratory situation and the implementation of the statement agreed at the meeting of the EU Heads of State or Government of 7 March, following their meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister

Ministers examined in particular the state of play of the implementation of the measures already taken to rapidly stem the flows, protect EU external borders, reduce illegal migration, safeguard the integrity of the Schengen area and reduce the negative humanitarian consequences of the current migratory situation.

• Finding solutions to migratory pressures (background information)

European border and coast guard 

Ministers took stock of the work on the proposal for a European border and coast guard. The proposed agency would bring together resources from Frontex and member states in order to monitor migratory flows, identify weak spots and respond in situations where the EU's external border is at risk.

The goal of the Presidency is to reach a Council position on the whole text by the April JHA Council with a view to striking an agreement with the European Parliament by June, as requested by the European Council.

• Strengthening the EU's external borders

Weapons

The Council held a policy debate regarding the proposal for a directive on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons which reviews and completes the current directive 91/477/EEC, taking into account the recent terrorist attacks.

Ministers agreed on some guidelines for the continuation of the work at technical level. The aim of the Presidency is to have a position in the Council by June.

Ard van der Steur, Minister for Justice of the Netherlands said: "Frank and fruitful exchange of views on the five specific topics of the Commissioner proposal to amend the firearms Directive. Experts will further work on proposal with a view to reach a general approach by next June".

Fight against terrorism

Ministers discussed and took note of a report prepared by the EU Counterterrorism coordinator on the follow up on the implementation of measures regarding counterterrorism. The report gives an overview and useful recommendations on areas where further progress is still needed, like information sharing and border security.

• Report of the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator

Justice

Fight against terrorism

Justice ministers adopted the Council's negotiating position on the proposal for a Directive on combating terrorism.

The proposed Directive strengthens the EU's legal framework in preventing terrorist attacks, in particular by criminalising preparatory acts such as training and travel abroad for terrorist purposes, hence contributing to combatting the phenomenon of foreign fighters. The proposal also reinforce rules on the rights of the victims of terrorism.  

The presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as the latter has adopted its position.

• Directive on combatting terrorism: Council ready to start negotiations with Parliament
• Response to foreign terrorist fighters and recent terrorist attacks in Europe (background information)

We see the digital single market as a priority and therefore we need modern contract rules for the digital age. Both consumers and entrepreneurs will benefit from new European rules for the supply of digital content.” Ard van der Steur, Minister for Security and Justice of the Netherlands

Digital Agenda

Ministers took stock of the work done at technical level on the new contract law proposals for Directives : one on the supply of digital content and another one on the online and other distance sales of goods.

They agreed on the importance of creating a modern and business-friendly environment for traders to boost e-commerce across the borders in the EU, while increasing consumers' trust and maintaining a high level of consumer protection.

At the suggestion of the presidency, ministers have decided to concentrate their work first on the examination of the proposal on the supply of digital content keeping in mind the need for overall coherence between the rules on online and offline sales, and between sales of goods and supply of digital content. 

• Digital single market for Europe