External Relations in the Fields of Justice and Home Affairs
The area of freedom, security and justice cannot be viewed as a purely internal matter of the European Union. In internal security, the European Union also cooperates with its neighbours (in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Stabilisation and Association Process) and with two strategic partners – the USA and Russia.
In the field of justice and home affairs, the EU is represented towards third countries by the Justice and Home Affairs Council (unlike the EU’s general external relations, which fall under the scope of the General Affairs and External Relations Council – GAERC). This is the EU external relations agenda (RELEX).
In 2005, the EU Council adopted an external relations strategy for justice and home affairs. The strategy sets out the political priorities, principles and instruments applied in EU relations with third countries in the field of justice and home affairs. The main priority areas are the fight against terrorism, the fight against all forms of organized crime, and better management of migration flows. The strategy should also contribute to the spread of security, democracy and democratic institutions in the world, which in itself is also one of the primary objectives of EU external relations.
Last update: 16.8.2011 16:02
