Plenary debate on e-justice

'According to data gathered by Eudobarometer, more than 70% of the population of the EU feels that we would need more information concerning cross-border justice.
 
Based on that, I am convinced that "e-justice" should be such a community initiative which provides real added value for the European citizens. As our citizens could anytime be in need of swift and easy access to information to judiciary or administrative procedures in another Member State; seek information on how to fill in various forms or navigate procedural hurdles.
 
The aim of "e-justice" initiative should be the reduction in cross-border bureaucracy and the lowering of procedural costs.  At the same time it is important to emphasise the "voluntary" nature of the initiative. As it can occur that it would be unwise to place extra developmental burdens on Member States concerning certain subfields of law. Therefore it is necessary to gauge the true expectations of everyday users and legal professionals alike prior to the development of e-justice projects.
 
Concerning the funding of the projects related to e-justice, it is important that Member States be provided access to funding even if the Member State concerned is carrying out a national development project necessary to ensure compliance with the Union's expectations. In my view we need to coordinate and to find the right balance between legislative work, the appropriate financial tools and the launch of e-Justice projects.
 
Furthermore, it would be welcome if in the future progress on "e-Justice" would encompass as well the improvement and distribution of e-learning material for judiciary and administrative personnel. The European Parliament is happy to work together with the Council and Commission on this issue.'