European Union : Press release - Maltese Presidency priorities discussed in committee - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs - Committee on Legal Affairs

The priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers are being outlined to parliamentary committees by Maltese ministers at a series of meetings taking place in January.

Civil liberties, justice and home affairs: migration and terrorism

Tackling migration and fighting terrorism and radicalization will be the Presidency's first priority, Maltese Home Affairs and National Security Minister Carmelo Abela and Justice, Culture and Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici told Civil Liberties MEPs on 12 January. The Presidency will work to address divergences among national governments and push for more solidarity and responsibility in dealing with migration flows. Mr Abela also said that the deal between Turkey and the EU should be respected.

Several MEPs asked what could be done to ensure that member states deliver on their obligations with regard to refugees. Both ministers acknowledged that the Dublin System needs to be reformed and member states' commitments respected. Concerning the 'smart borders' legislation, the Presidency hopes to have a deal on the new entry/exit system by June 2017.

Legal Affairs: copyright, taxation and family law

The Presidency will press the Council to agree on contracts for digital content by the end of June, and strike a balance between free flow of information and content creators' rights (copyright), Justice, Culture and Local Government Minister Owen Bonnici and Economy, Investment and Small Business Minister Christian Cardona told Legal Affairs MEPs on 12 January.

MEPs asked what the Presidency intends to do about the proposals on 'country by country' reporting by multinational companies for tax purposes and the revision of the Brussels II regulation on family law. The ministers promised that the Presidency would do its utmost to achieve progress on all files on the table.