As has been done at the start of previous presidencies, Amnesty International delivered today (21.1.2014) in Brussels its recommendations to the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU. Senior Executive Officer on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in the EU, Natacha Kazatchkine, presented the six-point human rights recommendations agenda to Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou.

A European Union workshop entitled 'Enhancing the European Disaster Response Capacity: Joint/Multi-National Modules' is hosted by the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 January 2014, at Zappeion Megaron, in Athens. It is the first workshop taking place after the entry into force (as of 1.1.2014) of the new EU legislation on the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

Article by Mr Charalampos Athanasiou, Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights

An informal 2-day meeting of the Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum, composed of higher-ranking officials (directors and general directors) is taking place at Zappeion Megaron on 14-15 January. The meeting is being held in view of the Justice and Home Affairs Council and the European Council next June. According to the meeting’s agenda, issues with regards to frontiers, immigration, legal immigration and the integration of third countries nationals will be discussed.