Comité Permanente Vertegenwoordigers steunt financieringsvoorstel EP voor justitiële programma's (en)

The Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER II) on November 6 in Brussels has approved compromise agreements with the European Parliament on the financing of two Justice area programmes in the EU multiannual budget for 2014-2020.

“Adopting financing programmes for the next budget period is one of the key priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency. We believe that these programmes will significantly contribute to the development of the Justice area,” said chair of the COREPER ambassador Raimundas Karoblis.

In November 2011, the Commission has proposed the Regulations establishing the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme and the Justice Programme, consolidating and simplifying six currently existing programmes in the Justice area. The funding available for the two programmes in the period of 2014-2020 amounts to 800 million euros.

The aim of the Justice Programme is to increase the effectiveness of applying the EU legislation in civil and criminal justice and ensuring proper access to justice in cross-border legal cases. It will also support EU actions to tackle drugs and crime.

The Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme aims to improve the application and awareness of people’s rights and freedoms across the EU, promote the rights of the child as well as principles of non-discrimination and gender equality.

These financial sources are important for non-governmental organizations and other bodies functioning in the area of Justice and Fundamental Rights.