European Commission Directorate-General for Justice

Justice, fundamental rights and citizenship policies are based on Europeans' most cherished values and principles, such as democracy, freedom, tolerance and the rule of law.

In today's Europe, millions of citizens are involved in cross-border situations - either in their private lives, through their work or studies, or as consumers.

The creation of the Directorate-General Justice reflects the new opportunities of the Lisbon Treaty to improve the everyday lives of EU citizens.

This Directorate offers practical solutions to cross-border problems, so that citizens feel at ease about living, travelling and working in another Member State and trust that their rights are protected no matter where in the European Union they happen to be.

Justice directorate mission

Build a European area of justice.

In a Europe of open borders, more and more people live, work and do business in other EU countries. The European Commission wants to make life easier for them by building an EU-wide area of justice. The aim is to offer practical solutions to cross-border problems, so that citizens feel at ease when moving around the EU and businesses can make full use of the Single Market.

It means respect for fundamental rights by the EU, and by member states at national level; equal treatment on the basis of sex, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation; protection for the personal data anywhere in the EU; access to justice in case of legal difficulties anywhere in the EU: protection and support if you fall victim to crime a fair trial if you are accused of a crime.

 

AGENDA

EU citizenship: contentious cases. The EU citizenship report 2013: consultations and discussions.