Press Release: Final steps for the first agreement on judicial cooperation in criminal matters between the European Union and Japan

The Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement on judicial cooperation in criminal matters about to be settled between the EU and Japan is the first "self-standing" EU – third country MLA Agreement. This agreement is meant to bring significant added value in the EU relations with Japan. It will contribute to combating crime, while respecting justice, principles of the rule of law and democracy, as well as judicial independence. Cooperation tools will be more effective and delays and costs should be significantly reduced.