Cyprus took timely and strict measures against the spread of the coronavirus outbreak and these measures bore fruit, Minister of Justice and Public Order George Savvides told the EU Ministers of Justice Council that took place via teleconference on Thursday.
According to a press release issued by the Public Information Office, the EU Justice Ministers exchanged views concerning the state of play with regard to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak in the area of justice in the EU both concerning criminal justice as well as issues concerning civil and commercial law.
Speaking during the meeting, Savvides also said Cypriot courts decided to extend their operation until end-July in a bid to process the cases that were left pending during the two-month lockdown in March and April. He also referred to the decisions concerning digital justice such as electronic submission of documents until the implementation of a comprehensive digital justice programme.
Furthermore, in a discussion on the legal and civil situation concerning the extradition of EU citizens to third countries, Savvides stressed the importance of safeguarding EU citizens’ rights and agreed with the Croatian Presidency’s suggestion for a detailed study by Eurostat and the European European Judicial Network whose results will be tabled before the EU Justice Ministers.
(CNA)
