On Monday, 6 April 2020, Sam Tanson attended the informal videoconference of EU Ministers of Justice at the invitation of the Croatian Presidency.
The exchange of "good practices in times of crisis" dealt with the functioning of the judicial system and the challenges of cross-border judicial cooperation, the suspension of enforcement and insolvency proceedings, procedural rights in criminal matters and the enforcement of custodial sentences in the light of the current situation in penitentiary centres in the face of the dangers of the Covid-19 epidemic.
The exchange also covered the rule of law and exceptional measures taken in a state of crisis.
"I would like to make it clear that the emergency measures adopted by the Member States, including Luxembourg, must be temporary and strictly limited to what is necessary, proportionate and subject to regular analysis. Freedom of expression and freedom of the press must not be hampered by this measure. The rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights cannot be left aside. Just as solidarity between Member States must not be compromised. For these reasons we support the European Commission's initiative to monitor the emergency measures and their implementation in order to guarantee the fundamental values of the European Union and to address the General Affairs Council if necessary", emphasises Minister of Justice, Sam Tanson.
Press release by the Ministry of Justice