In the last few days, there has been quite a bit of activity within the Greek EU Presidency. The following are some of its recent directives and decisions.

The Council approved (14.3) a revised EU tobacco directive that makes tobacco products less attractive to young people by strengthening the rules on how tobacco products can be manufactured, presented and sold.

On the same day, the Council agreed (14.03) a general approach regarding a proposal aimed at defining new tasks of the European Railway Agency to reflect its future, stronger role in safety certification and vehicle authorization. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Chrisochoidis, and the council had a very productive discussion on a number of other files, including the a proposal for the Shift2Rail and urban mobility.

Also, the Council adopted a directive on the freezing and confiscation of proceeds of crime in the EU. The directive aims to make it easier for national authorities to confiscate and recover the profits made by criminals from cross-border and organised crime. Another directive adopted - within the field of Justice and Home Affairs – related to the European Investigation Order in criminal matters. The goal of the directive is to allow member states to carry out investigative measures at the request of another member state on the basis of mutual recognition.

More information: Greek EU Presidency Press Releases