The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union began on 1 January 2021 and will run until 30 June this year.

Inspired by the motive “Time to deliver: a fair, green and digital recovery” the Portuguese Presidency’s programme envisages five main lines of action that will strive to promote a resilient, green, digital, social, and global Europe.

Concerning migration, the Portuguese Presidency intends to prioritise the New Pact on Migration and Asylum and related initiatives.

Regarding the future of Schengen and border management, the Presidency is paying close attention to the interoperability of information systems, including the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Another focus is the new mandate of Frontex. which is to be put into operation.

In the area of police and judicial cooperation, the Presidency aims to focus on several issues, including:

• Coordinating the fight against organised and cross-border crime, particularly drug trafficking;
• Trafficking in human beings;
• Crimes against women and children;
• Cybercrime, including child sexual abuse;
• Electronic evidence;
• Hate crime;
• Cooperation and the exchange of information on weapons and explosives.

Furthermore, the Presidency is paying particular attention to the prevention of terrorism and extremism, especially the challenges of radicalisation and violent extremism (of various origins and orientations) as well as related online activities.

Further priorities of the Portuguese Presidency include:

• Revision of the Europol Regulation;
• Implementation of the EU action plan on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing;
• Implementation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office;
• Implementation of the 2020-2025 EU Strategy on victims’ rights;

Launch of the next political cycle for the fight against serious and organised international crime.