The draft amendment to the first directive will expand the definitions of crimes involving the exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Meanwhile, the implementation of the second directive is intended to harmonize the criminal laws of member states, particularly regarding penalties for migrant smuggling. These solutions are aimed at ensuring more effective prosecution of these types of crimes.
"Poland's presidency will address directives on the protection of crime victims, combating corruption, and the regulation on the recognition of parenthood," said Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar in Brussels (December 13), who participated in the meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council.

As of January 1, 2025, Poland will chair the meetings of the Council of the European Union. Minister Adam Bodnar will preside over meetings of justice ministers from EU member states.

The 2012 directive on the rights of victims, their support, and protection provides a solid foundation for safeguarding victims' rights, but it requires amendments. Many individuals still do not report crimes, and this must change. Victims need a sense of security and freedom to report crimes, as well as legal assistance. Establishing a procedure for communication with victims is also necessary.

Efforts to advance justice will include the development of EU criminal law. The provisions of the directive on combating corruption will require member states to unify the definitions of acts of corruption and classify them uniformly. This includes bribery in both the public and private sectors, embezzlement of funds, influence peddling, and obstruction of justice.

Regarding children’s safety on the Internet and securing their right to privacy, Poland will work to reach a consensus within the Council of the European Union on legislative changes.

In the area of civil law, Poland’s presidency will strive to get member states to agree on legal acts related to the recognition of parenthood. In 2022, the European Commission presented a regulation aimed at unifying legal provisions in the area of parenthood. The implementation of these provisions will ensure that parenthood recognized in one member state is recognized in others. According to European Commission estimates, this issue affects approximately 2 million children.

The presidency will focus on continuing legislative work on the regulation concerning the protection of adults and the directive on insolvency.
Poland will also continue its support for Ukraine. Perpetrators of crimes committed in connection with the war in Ukraine must be held accountable. A special tribunal should be established to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine, in cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

In December, Deputy Minister of Justice Maria Ejchart signed an agreement between Poland and the ICC on the enforcement of sentences. Poland has taken in millions of refugees from Ukraine. Many of them remain in the country, often individuals who may provide testimony in investigations against the Russian Federation regarding crimes committed in Ukraine.