“The United States has returned, but Europe has never left the transatlantic partnership, and we are pleased that security is once again at the forefront of transatlantic cooperation, " said Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission at a press conference yesterday following the conclusion of the EU-US Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs in Lisbon, Portugal.
“The United States has returned, but Europe has never left the transatlantic partnership, and we are pleased that security is once again at the forefront of transatlantic cooperation; a factor of global stability, " said Margaritis Schinas, Vice President of the European Commission at a press conference yesterday following the conclusion of the EU-US Ministerial Meeting on Justice and Home Affairs in Lisbon.
The Meeting, which was hosted by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, “was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the European Union and the United States to work together and renew the transatlantic partnership, at a time of major challenges for our societies” added Schinas.
Schinas said that both the US and the EU expressed their strong concern with the rise of violent extremism, as well as crimes inspired by hate speech, racism and xenophobia both in Europe and the United States.
“Violent extremism represents a direct threat to our democratic societies and deserves renewed attention by law enforcement, judicial authorities, the private sector and civil society. The United States and the European Union will pursue and expand their information exchanges on violent extremists, in particular those with transnational linkages,” added Schinas.
At the meeting, the United States was represented by the Secretary for Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, and by Deputy Assistant Attorney General and DOJ Counselor for International Affairs Bruce Swartz.
The European Union was represented by the Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, the Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, the Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, as well as the Portuguese Ministers for Justice Francisca Van Dunem and for Home Affairs Eduardo Cabrita, on behalf of the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The incoming Presidency of the Council was represented by the Slovenian Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs.
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