The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union hosted the EU-US Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs in Stockholm on June 21, 2023. The meeting brought together representatives from both sides to strengthen the transatlantic partnership amidst major geopolitical challenges.
During the meeting, the European Union and the United States condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and expressed unwavering support for Ukraine. They discussed plans to deepen cooperation in assisting Ukraine with justice reform and the rule of law. The two parties emphasized their commitment to providing protection for those who had to flee Ukraine due to Russian aggression.
Both the United States and the European Union reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment to ensuring accountability for the international crimes committed in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They welcomed the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of Justice and the prosecuting authorities of the national members of the Joint Investigation Team on Ukraine. Additionally, the upcoming establishment of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine was acknowledged with gratitude for the United States’ support.
The United States and the European Union also discussed international accountability mechanisms and expressed their intention to address the challenges posed by the spread of violent extremism. They stressed the importance of effective information sharing to combat terrorism and agreed to continue and expand existing cooperation projects.
The relaunch of negotiations for an EU-US agreement facilitating access to electronic evidence in criminal proceedings was welcomed. The parties recognized the value of the recently adopted OECD Declaration on Government Access to Personal Data held by Private Sector Entities. Moreover, the importance of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and its Second Additional Protocol was acknowledged, along with support for a new UN convention on cybercrime that promotes international cooperation while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Joint efforts to combat child sexual abuse, cross-border organized crime networks, illicit drug trade, and environmental crime were also emphasized. The United States and the European Union pledged to reinforce cooperation in these areas through various initiatives and multilateral bodies.
The progress made by EU Member States not yet in the Visa Waiver Program was welcomed, and both sides expressed their commitment to pursuing efforts towards reciprocal visa-free travel.
In conclusion, the United States and the European Union decided to reconvene in Washington DC in the second half of 2023, underscoring their joint commitment to advancing common solutions in all areas discussed.