Lithuania is preparing to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU: R. Tamašunienė has outlined the priorities for justice
The Minister for Justice, Rita Tamašunienė, met with Ana Gallego Torres, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST). The meeting focused on preparations for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, key initiatives in the field of justice, and ensuring accountability for crimes committed during Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The Minister emphasised that support for Ukraine, the fight against impunity and compensation for victims will remain among the key priorities of Lithuania’s Presidency. Particular attention is to be paid to accountability for the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children.
“We will strive to ensure that accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine, particularly the unlawful deportation of children, is one of the key issues on the agenda. It is unacceptable for these crimes to go unpunished, as our solidarity is not enough for the victims of Russian aggression – they need justice,” said R. Tamašunienė.
Lithuania consistently supports the establishment of a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine and calls for the completion of the procedures necessary for it to begin its work. The importance of an international mechanism for compensation for damages is also emphasised. During the Presidency, the issue of accountability for crimes in Ukraine is to be raised at every meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council.
The meeting also discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between states in the investigation of crimes, improving the exchange of evidence and enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system. The agenda for the Lithuanian Presidency includes a focus on strengthening Eurojust’s activities, combating fraud and protecting the EU’s financial interests.
Another key area is consumer protection in the digital sphere. Lithuania intends to prioritise negotiations on the Digital Fairness Act and on strengthening cooperation between consumer protection authorities. These initiatives are crucial for responding more effectively to large-scale infringements, particularly where individual Member States lack the resources to tackle them.
The discussion also focused on the digitalisation of justice, judicial independence, the fight against corruption, and the protection of victims of crime and fundamental rights. Close cooperation with the European Commission will help Lithuania prepare for the intensive agenda of its Presidency and make progress in areas of justice that are important to the public.