Stockholm programme – for a more secure Europe

The EU's new five-year agenda in the field of freedom, security and justice, called the Stockholm programme, aims to make Europe more secure while safeguarding the citizen's rights. This strategic document was discussed by justice and home affairs ministers on 30 November and 1 December. It is due to be adopted by the European Council meeting on 10 and 11 December.

Stockholm Old Town
© European Union

According to the programme, the Union must be a single area in which fundamental freedoms and rights are protected. Citizens' privacy has to be preserved beyond national borders, especially by protecting personal data.

Recognition of legal acts in other member states still faces barriers. Resources need to be mobilised to eliminate them. People should have easier access to courts, so that they can enforce their rights throughout the Union.

An internal security strategy should be developed to better combat organised crime, terrorism and other threats. It would strengthen for instance police cooperation, border management and civil protection.

Another key objective is to establish a comprehensive European migration policy, based on solidarity and responsibility. Well-managed legal migration can benefit all, whereas efficient action is needed to thwart illegal immigration. Those in need of protection must have access to effective asylum procedures.

The Lisbon Treaty makes decision-making in the field of justice and home affairs more efficient. The ordinary legislative procedure, in which decisions are taken by qualified majority in the Council, and the European Parliament has full co-legislative powers, is now applicable to most areas, such as legal immigration and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Consequently, EU and national measures in these areas will be subject to judicial review by the Court of Justice of the European Union.

More information:
Council press release 
Council webcast of press conference (Home Affairs) 
Council webcast of press conference (Justice) 
The Lisbon Treaty's impact on the Justice and Home Affairs Council