Justice Programme (JUST)

Strengthening European Justice

The aim of the Justice Programme is to support the further development of a European area of justice based on the rule of law, the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, mutual recognition, mutual trust and judicial cooperation. This will in turn lead to the strengthening of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights across the Member States.

The programme has the following objectives:

1. to facilitate and support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, and to promote the rule of law, independence and impartiality of the judiciary, including by supporting the efforts to improve the effectiveness of national justice systems, and the effective enforcement of decisions;
    
2. to support and promote judicial training, with a view to fostering a common legal, judicial and rule of law culture, as well as the consistent and effective implementation of the Union’s legal instruments relevant in the context of this programme;
    
3. to facilitate effective and non-discriminatory access to justice for all, and effective redress, including by electronic means (e-Justice), by promoting efficient civil, and criminal procedures, and by promoting and supporting the rights of all victims of crime as well as the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings.

The activities that can be implemented under this programme vary, but all focus on the overall implementation of the above mentioned objectives. Such activities include:

• studies and research activities;
   
• exchange of best practices;
   
• development of training material;
   
• awareness raising activities.

In terms of financing, this programme will provide funding to cover a percentage of eligible costs. The co-financing rate is set at 90% across all calls.

The Justice Programme is open to different types of organisations such as public and private organisations including non-governmental organisations, government entities, businesses and research institutions.