Report on the implementation of Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings

Summary:

On 18 December 2018 the European Commission presented a report on the implementation by Member States of Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings.

Further information:

Directive 2010/64/EU constitutes the first 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 provides a general right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings, from the moment persons are made aware by the competent authorities that they are suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence until the conclusion of the proceedings.

This report evaluates the application of the Directive and focuses on the measures Member States have taken so far to implement it. It assesses whether Member States have implemented the Directive within the given timeframe, and whether national legislations achieve the objectives and fulfil the requirements of the Directive.