Minister Habijan attends JHA Council in Copenhagen

On 22-23 July 2025, Copenhagen hosted an informal meeting of the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union (JHA Council), the focus of which was on data protection, fight against organised crime and violence against children

Data protection

During the first working session, ministers discussed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with a particular focus on the balance between competitiveness and the right to data protection within the single European legal framework. While the Regulation has significantly contributed to strengthening the protection of personal data and citizens’ trust in the digital exchange of data since its adoption in 2016, challenges have been identified in its application, especially in the context of the administrative burden on businesses. The exchange of views focused on possible solutions to further simplify the implementation of the Regulation, without jeopardising citizens' fundamental rights.

Fight against organised crime

The second working session was dedicated to the fight against organised crime, with a particular focus on criminal networks operating through multi-member family structures. Ministers exchanged views on the effectiveness of the existing legislative framework and the need for additional legislative initiatives, taking into account the increasingly sophisticated modi operandi of criminal organisations exploiting technological tools and legal loopholes.

Combating violence against children

The third thematic unit was focused on combating violence against children, with an emphasis on strengthening preventive measures and better interdepartmental cooperation in detecting and prosecuting cases. Minister Habijan stressed the importance of establishing effective child protection mechanisms within the justice system and raising awareness of the unacceptable nature of all forms of violence against children.
 
The meeting in Copenhagen confirmed the joint commitment of Member States to strengthen legal cooperation and develop security policies that respond to contemporary challenges, while consistently respecting the fundamental rights of the citizens of the European Union.

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