• Ministers examined ways to strengthen mutual legal assistance and extradition processes with priority third countries
• Updated on work to review the application of the GDPR, to ease the regulatory burden on businesses
• Discussed how the EU and multilateral efforts can ensure justice and accountability for Ukraine in the context of Russia's war of aggression

Today, Niall Collins, Minister of State with special responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice met with European Justice Ministers to discuss a range of issues relating to GDPR for businesses, extradition cooperation and assistance to Ukraine.

Ministers discussed how to simplify the application of GDPR for business, how to improve extradition and judicial cooperation with third countries and how to further efforts to assist Ukraine in its fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in the context of Russia's war of aggression.

In respect of the focus on simplifying the application of GPDR to make doing business easier and faster in Europe, a body of work linked to Europe's simplification agenda, Minister Collins said:

"While it is of utmost importance that regulatory safeguards are in place, it is equally important that businesses can operate effectively within the Union. Measures to simplify and reduce the administrative burden of the GDPR on businesses, while continuing to protect the fundamental right to protection of personal data, are a key aspect of the Commission's simplification agenda and are welcomed by Ireland."

Ministers also discussed progress on efforts to assist Ukraine in its fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression.

The EU and its Member States confirmed their continued support for efforts to document and prosecute international crimes and discussed different accountability initiatives that they have pursued.

Speaking on this, Minister Collins said:

"Ireland is committed to supporting Ukraine and fully supports the collective measures undertaken by the Union. The discussions today were particularly relevant given President Zelenskiy's visit to Ireland last week, and the signing of the 2030 Roadmap on Ukraine-Ireland Partnership. This will strengthen bilateral relations between our countries and will see Ireland provide €125 million in financial support to Ukraine over five years."

Ministers also discussed measures to strengthen mutual legal assistance and extradition processes with priority third countries, with Ministers emphasising how extradition from third countries is evolving.

In contributing to the discussion, Minister Collins said:

"Cooperation with third countries is essential to combat organised crime and bilateral treaties for extradition are a key cooperation tool in this regard. Ireland has had constructive engagement with key strategic third countries outside the EU, which has been supported by steady diplomatic outreach, and practical cooperation between our respective judicial and law enforcement authorities.

The increased use of direct communication channels has helped progress complex cases more efficiently. We have seen first-hand the impact of this with the signing of a bilateral agreement with the UAE, sending a clear signal to those involved in serious and organised crime that there is no safe haven."

Minister Collins will remain in Brussels to represent Ireland at the Second International Conference on the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling on Wednesday 10 December.

The Alliance is an initiative of the President of the European Commission established to strengthen international cooperation against migrant smuggling and dismantle criminal networks. Over 60 countries have joined the Alliance and will endorse a Joint Declaration at the Conference on their collective commitment to counter migrant smuggling.

Speaking on the conference, Minister Collins said:

"This Global Alliance is key to ensuring a collective response to countering migrant smuggling networks. Cooperation with countries outside the EU is a crucial aspect in fighting this heinous crime, which preys on, and exploits, vulnerable people.

It is very welcome to see how many countries have signed up to the Global Alliance and commited to working together to protect those that need it, by breaking the business model the smugglers so callously use."

ENDS…///