Greece will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2014, before handing over reins to Italy on 1 July 2014. During the week from 16 to 23 January 2014, the Greek Council Presidency presented its priorities to the various committees of the European Parliament. A two-day informal meeting of the Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs (JHA), as well as the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Justice, Citizenship and Fundamental Rights took place on 23 January 2014 to discuss issues concerning the future development and priorities of the JHA area in the European Union.

Inter alia:

The Hellenic Presidency will promote the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, with particular emphasis on measures to strengthen solidarity to those member-states whose asylum systems are under particular pressure, with respect to the obligations arising from international treaties and EU law and in cooperation with relevant EU Agencies and international organizations.

The Presidency will make every effort to enhance the operational capabilities of Member States and further promote the operational cooperation among Member States at the Union’s external borders. Following the adoption and entry into force of the Regulation concerning the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR), Greece will labour to facilitate all necessary actions for its smooth and harmonized implementation.

The Presidency will continue to promote awareness and international cooperation for combating illegal immigration, under the principles of European solidarity and burden and responsibility sharing.

Please visit the website of the Greek Council Presidency and read its programme and priorities.