Source: Eurojust
In the field of justice and security, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus on combatting major cross-border criminal networks, hybrid threats, and terrorism and radicalisation. Particular attention will be paid to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs, human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Another priority is the protection of minors from exploitation, including sexual abuse. Efforts to ensure accountability for alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine will also be a major focus. Poland took up the Presidency on 1 January.
Commenting on the Polish EU priorities for justice and security, National Member for Poland at Eurojust Mr Paweł Wąsik said: I am delighted and honoured to begin my term as the National Member for Poland at Eurojust, at the start of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a significant challenge and opportunity. Given our commitment to the subject to date, it will not come as a surprise to anyone that in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, we will also prioritise supporting Ukraine’s security and justice sector, fostering greater coordination in addressing the crisis. Poland is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights across Europe.
The focus on illicit drug trafficking and combatting organised crime is in line with the launch of the new European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) in September 2024, hosted by Eurojust. The EJOCN brings together specialised prosecutors with the aim of taking a strategic approach to the fight against major organised crime networks, which increasingly operate on a global scale. The Polish Presidency can build on the groundwork laid in the preparation of the network and the initial activities of the EJOCN.
The priority to focus furthermore on migrant smuggling and human trafficking aligns with the overall goal of the Polish Presidency to improve internal security and prevent and counter unauthorised entry, transit and residence in the EU. This priority also focuses on protecting the borders with Belarus.
The Polish Presidency will continue to support the accountability process for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide allegedly committed in Ukraine. Poland was one of the three countries, together with Lithuania and Ukraine that initiated the joint investigation team (JIT) into these alleged crimes in March 2022. More information on the role of Eurojust and Poland in relation to the war in Ukraine can be found here.
In the area of cybercrime, the Polish Presidency wants to focus on the protection of minors against exploitation and the sexual abuse of children, including online. Furthermore, efforts will also be made to step up research into the influence of artificial intelligence in criminal matters.