Ministry of Justice, Finland

Each EU member state in turn has the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months. Finland had the EU Presidency from 1 July until 31 December 2006.

It is the task of the EU Presidency to chair the sessions of the Council and the European Council. The Presidency also chairs and prepares meetings of working groups and committees. The Presidency also represents the Council in relation to the other institutions of the European Union and the European Union in the external relations.

During Finland's Presidency the strong development of the co-operation in justice and home affairs was continued on the basis of the Hague Programme. The assessment of the implementation of the programme during Finland's Presidency provided good opportunities for co-operation. The foundation for the present co-operation in justice and home affairs was created during the previous Finnish Presidency at the European Council meeting in Tampere in 1999.

In the area of legal affairs, an agreement was reached on the establishment of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and taking account of convictions in other EU member states. At the December meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, an understanding was reached on the key content of the regulations facilitating the transfer of sentenced persons. However, the Council failed to reach an unanimous decision, because one Member State was unable to approve the solutions proposed.

A final decision on the implementation of a European payment order procedure was also reached during Finland's Presidency.

Priorities in judicial co-operation

Meetings of the Ministry of Justice in Finland

Key Persons in Justice Affairs