building and IT capacity building. The Customs 2020 Action Programme promotes the efficient and uniform application of customs legislation and will contribute to the Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Provision of Information on the Rights of Victims of Trafficking in human beings Arising from the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016, the EU Commission prepared a document entitled ‘The EU Rights of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings’. This document presents a user-friendly overview based upon existing EU instruments within the area of victim protection and supports. Following on from this, the Presidency secured agreement at the June JHA Council on conclusions on an EU Framework for the Provision of Information on the Rights of Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings.
Adoption of a new Regulation on the customs enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) The violation of intellectual property rights in the trade of goods is a global problem which affects businesses and consumers alike. The Irish Presidency brokered agreement with the European Parliament on a new regulation on customs enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The Regulation will simplify and strengthen measures to combat the trade in counterfeit goods, through the destruction of products suspected of infringing intellectual property rights. Through the protection of IPR, the jobs of workers making legitimate product are protected, as are the rights and safety of consumers purchasing those products.
General Approach on the Directive on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law In 2010 the European Commission estimated that over €600 million of fraud was committed against the Union’s financial interests. While the EU has agreed legislation to combat money laundering and corruption, rules and sanctions differ widely between Member States. The Irish Presidency reached agreement with Member States on a General Approach on this draft Directive
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Report of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union