Report on the implementation of Directive 2012/13/EU on the right to information in criminal proceedings

Summary:

On 18 December 2018 the European Commission presented a report on the implementation by Member States of Directive 2012/13/EU on the right to information in criminal proceedings.

Further information:

Directive 2012/13/EU was the second instrument adopted pursuant to the Roadmap for strengthening procedural rights of suspected or accused persons in criminal proceedings. The Directive aims to contribute to the general objective of increasing mutual trust by allowing better application of the principle of mutual recognition, the cornerstone of the EU area of freedom, security and justice.

The Directive establishes the right to information in criminal proceedings and European arrest warrant proceedings. Persons have this right from the moment they are made aware by the competent authorities that they are suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence, and until the conclusion of the proceedings.

This report focuses on the measures Member States have taken so far to implement the Directive. It assesses whether Member States have implemented the Directive within the specified timeframe, and whether national legislation achieves the objectives and fulfils the requirements of the Directive.