European Council Conclusions - Strategic guidelines for legislative and operational planning for the coming years within the area of freedom, security and justice

The Treaty of Lisbon establishes that the European Union must constitute an area of freedom, security and justice, where fundamental rights are fully respected. To achieve this, it tasks the European Council with defining the strategic guidelines for legislative and operational planning within that area. The guidelines cover aspects such as border control, migration and asylum policy, and police and judicial cooperation.

 In June 2014, the European Council defined the strategic guidelines in the area of freedom, security and justice over the coming years. These guidelines are in line with the priorities set in the strategic agenda for the EU, which was also adopted in June. They build on the progress achieved by the Stockholm programme, the multiannual programme for justice and home affairs for 2010-2014. 

A mid-term review of these guidelines will take place in 2017.