The Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard attended and participated in the Council of Ministers of Justice in Brussels. The agenda of this council included a discussion on a proposal for a directive that establishes a minimum harmonization of rules to prevent the trafficking of immigrants, as well as other subjects such as drug trafficking and organized crime and the – Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.
During the discussion in relation to the proposal of the European Commission regarding the directive dealing with the trafficking of immigrants, Minister Attard reiterated “Malta continues to fully support the fight against the – Facilitation of the Clandestine Entry of Migrants, including by strengthening the rules of the Criminal law.” The Minister continued to emphasize that the directive should not be limited to financial or material benefit or gain, but be left broad to cover any benefit or gain.
The Council also dealt with the fight against drug trafficking. Minister Attard stressed that Malta supports every initiative against drug trafficking and this also based on the National drug policy launched by the Maltese government last year. He explained that this National policy not only emphasizes the strengthening of the fight against drugs, but also the need for rehabilitation and education. ” Malta’s primary emphasis remains on the implementation of rigid measures to effectively penalize those involved in drug trafficking,” repeated Minister Attard.
On the agenda of the Council of Ministers were also the conclusions of the Commission’s annual report on justice where the investment being made in our country in the sector was recognized, including with the use of funds Europeans and from the Recovery and Resilience fund, in the digitization and human resources sector.
Regarding the fight against impunity in Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, our country at a national level has worked hard to adhere to the 13 package of sanctions imposed against Russia. Malta will continue to prioritize this fight for full accounting for the main international crimes so that justice can be done in time for the victims .
