The informal Ministerial Meeting on Internal Affairs and Justice took place in Nicosia under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It focused on the need for better European action against organized and cross-border crime, as shared by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris.
During the talks, they discussed the economic side of organized crime, protecting cultural heritage, and finding alternative treatments for minors and young adults involved in drug use. The Ministers agreed that detention should be a last resort. They emphasized treatment over punishment and the need for cooperation between justice, health, social services, and education.
Mr. Fytiris highlighted issues with illegal trafficking of cultural goods. He pointed out gaps in member states’ laws that antiquities traffickers and criminal networks take advantage of. The Ministers urged the European Commission to carry out studies to improve cultural heritage protection across the union.
They also stressed the importance of asset confiscation and teamwork between public and private sectors to clean up the criminal economy. The conclusions from this Summit will help the Cypriot Presidency shape the EU’s draft action plan on drugs, which is currently under consultation.
