Creating an area of freedom, security and justice remains a primary task of European policymaking.
The European Union constitutes more than merely an internal market and an area of security. The citizens of Europe expect resolute action by the European Union to preserve their interests in freedom in an area without internal borders.
During the German Presidency, we will focus on these expectations in the area of justice policy. The citizens of Europe expect
- the strengthening of citizens` rights,
- a secure legal framework which transcends European borders for their private and business activities, and
- the strengthening of the justice system, particularly in terms of practical cooperation.
Without the completion of a European area of justice in both civil and criminal law, the European internal market will retain its patchwork quality. Increasing passenger traffic and the growing number of cross-border commercial activities require simple and non-discriminatory access to the legal system. Mutual recognition of judicial decisions protects citizens against legal complications in cross-border cases. However, such recognition must be founded upon confidence in the legal systems of the other Member States, for which the protection of citizens’ rights is indispensable.
These goals also provide the guidelines for the cooperative work until mid-2008 by the upcoming German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies.
