Deal on digitalised judicial cooperation in the EU 

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  • Reduces differences in digitalisation among member states 
  • Enables digital transmission of documents, payment of fees and videoconferencing 
  • Individuals and companies will be able to communicate with authorities electronically 

Parliament and Council negotiators reached an agreement on the use of digital technology in the judicial cooperation among EU countries.

Justice system in the EU will get a digital framework. Negotiators of the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) agreed with Council negotiators on its future shape. The proposed legislation aims at modernizing access to justice in the EU, while reducing costs and delays. It also seeks to reduce disparities in digitalisation between member states to ensure that all EU citizens can benefit from effective access to justice.

Electronic documents and videoconferencing

It enables the use of digital technology for exchange of information, documents, payments of fees and videoconferencing. Communication between citizens, companies and national authorities would be ensured by an IT system, created and maintained by the European Commission and financed through the Digital Europe Programme with an access point in each member state. The European e-Justice portal will provide information to individuals and companies on their rights and the European electronic access point will enable their direct communication with authorities.

Inclusive digitalisation

MEPs made sure the digitalisation does not lead to exclusion and is implemented in a way to ensure right to a fair trial for everyone. They also insisted on equivalent access for people with disabilities. Negotiators further agreed on the need for additional training for justice professionals when it comes to the use of digital tools such as videoconferencing and the IT system and encouraged member states to share their best practices on the use of digital tools.

Quotes

JURI Co-rapporteur Emil Radev (EPP, BG) noted: "The agreement will facilitate, via videoconferencing, the participation of parties in oral hearings in civil and criminal cases. It is crucial for us that the new rules come into force as soon as possible to provide citizens with faster, cheaper and more accessible judicial proceedings, benefiting from the development of digital tools in the field of justice."

LIBE Co-rapporteur Marina Kaljurand (S&D, EE) said: "It is essential that appropriate training will be organised for digitalisation to succeed. In addition, I am glad that the needs of persons with disabilities will be taken into account, and that we have safeguards for the videoconferences in criminal matters to protect the principle of fair trial."

Background

The European Commission proposal of regulation and directive presented in December 2021 reacted to the to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its aim was to ensure access to justice in the EU including in the events of force majeure and adapt judicial cooperation between member states for such situations.

Next steps

Once the Council formally approves the agreement, it will be confirmed by a vote in the European Parliament before it can enter into force.

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Ref.:  20230524IPR92103