German EU Presidency 2007

Europe must be an area of freedom, security and justice. This is what our European treaties say; this is what our citizens expect; and this is what our political endeavours strive to achieve.

During the German Council Presidency, we will strive to strengthen citizens’ rights in Europe. The process of integration must not be targeted only toward governmental and European institutions; rather, it must serve the Union’s citizens as well.

We wish to create more legal certainty for cross-border activities. We need clarity as to which law applies where, and who possesses what rights, so that citizens and companies are able to take even better advantage of the opportunities presented by a Europe without borders.

The more permeable the borders and the more varied the cross-border activities of citizens and the business sector become, the greater is the necessity of closer practical cooperation among the national judicial authorities, because only in this manner will the justice system remain the guarantor of law and justice in a unified Europe.