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Commission and HR Set Out EU Action against Corruption
In a Joint Communication of 3 May 2023, the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy give an overview of the EU anti-corruption framework and how anti-corruption can be further mainstreamed into EU policy design. The Joint Communication is part of the anti-corruption package, which includes a proposal for a Directive to combat corruption by criminal law. Read more
Thomas Wahl
EU
Corruption
Spotlight Commission Proposes Comprehensive Reform of Customs Union
On 17 May 2023, the Commission put forward proposals for the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968. The aim is that simplify customs processes and make them smarter and safer, including by means of an increased use of Artificial Intelligence, a new EU database and a new EU Customs Authority. Read more
EU
Customs Cooperation
EP Recommendation on Lessons Learned from Misused Spyware
In a recommendation of 15 June 2023, the EP sets up EU standards for the use of spyware. The recommendations endorse the conclusions drawn by the Pegasus scandal which was investigated by a respective Committee of Inquiry since May 2022. Read more
EU
Fundamental Rights
Data Protection
ECA: Digital Administration of EU Funds is Progressing Too Slowly
Bodies managing EU funds still face several challenges with the use of digital tools. Such shortcomings have an impact on the effective protection of the EU’s financial interest. This is one of the main conclusions in a report presented by the European Court of Auditors … Read more
EU
Protection of Financial Interests
Joint Action Days Against Cross-Border Crime
A weeklong operation took place at the end of June 2023, involving 12 EU and EU-associated countries in Central and South-Eastern Europe, Frontex, Eurojust, Europol and INTERPOL. The international operation led to the arrests of 108 people smugglers. It was conducted by Frontex standing corps … Read more
Cornelia Riehle LL.M.
EU
Frontex
Organised Crime
Trafficking in Human Beings
Law Enforcement Cooperation
EP’s Amendments to the AI Act
On 14 June 2023, the EP adopted its negotiating position on the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act. MEPs plead for a full ban on AI for biometric surveillance, emotion recognition, and predictive policing. Generative AI systems like ChatGPT must disclose that content was AI-generated. AI systems used to influence voters in elections should be considered high-risk. Read more
Dr. Anna Pingen
EU
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
European Parliament
Spain Takes Over Council Presidency
On 1 July 2023, Spain took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The motto is "Europe, closer", which pursues the four priorities: Reindustrialising the EU and guaranteeing its open strategic autonomy; advancing in the green transition; promoting greater social and economic justice; strengthening European unity. Read more
EU
Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
Council
New Trio Council Presidency
On 1 July 2023, the new trio Presidency of Council of the EU, composed of Spain, Belgium, and Hungary, started its 18-month term. In a joint programme, the three countries outlined their common priorities. Read more
EU
Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
Council
25th Anniversary of the EJN
The year 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the European Judicial Network (EJN) in criminal matters. The EJN was set up in 1998 by the Council of the EU with the aim of assisting judicial practitioners in combating cross-border crime. Since then, … Read more
EU
European Judicial Network (EJN)
Results of the Swedish Council Presidency
After the end of its Presidencey of the Council of the EU, Sweden informed about its achievements. The Swedish Presidency maintained continuous dialogue on the consequences of the Russian war in Ukraine and finalise agreements on several legislative dossiers. Read more
Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
Council
EP: Bulgaria and Romania Must Accede Schengen Area
In a resolution adopted on 12 July 2023, the European Parliament (EP) reiterated its call on the Council to approve Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area. MEPs regret that the Council rejected the countries’ accession in a decision of 8 December 2022 … Read more
EU
Schengen
EP Grants Discharge but Raises Concerns over Attacks to EU Budget
In its decision granting discharge for the Commission, the EP reiterated its view that the weak control system for EU’s recovery funds could lead to misuse. Furthermore, the EP stressed taht EU Member States must respect rule of law to receive Union funds and called for new rules regulating NGOs’ access to EU money. Read more
EU
Protection of Financial Interests
Frontex Signs MoU with Albania
On 6 June 2023, Frontex and Albania signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their cooperation on the protection of fundamental rights in Frontex operational activities in Albania. Read more
EU
Frontex
New Information Exchange Directive under Criticism
Following the entry into force of Directive 2023/977 on the exchange of information between the law enforcement authorities of Member States (→ eucrim Spotlight of 12 July 2023), civil liberties organisation Statewatch voiced criticism over the new legislation. The NGO pointed out that “Europol's … Read more
EU
Europol
Law Enforcement Cooperation
Romania: ECJ Rules on the Independence and Impartiality of Bodies in Disciplinary Proceedings against Judges
On 11 May 2023, the ECJ ruled on the compatibility of the Romanian reform of the organisation of the judiciary that rearranged the Judicial Inspectorate and led to a concentration of powers in the hands of the Chief Inspector. The case (C-817/21, Inspecţia Judiciară … Read more
EU
Rule of Law
New Drive in the Debate on Own Resources
On 20 June 2023, the Commission adjusted and complemented its 2021 proposal to establish new own resources for the EU budget (→ eucrim 2021, 213-214). The initiative (document: COM(2023) 331) comes after the Council had not shown much willingness to proceed with the … Read more
EU
Protection of Financial Interests