Website: Criminal justice

The progressive elimination of border control within the EU has considerably facilitated the free movement of European citizens, but has also make it easier for criminals to operate transnationally, especially since the scope of the law enforcement authorities and criminal justice system within the European Union (EU) has for a long time been largely limited to the boundaries of their respective States.

In order to face the challenge of international crime, the EU is progressing toward a single area of justice. Since the adoption of the Amsterdam Treaty which officially states that the creation of a common area of freedom, security and justice is an aim of the EU, actions have been developed in four directions regarding judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

First, EU Member States have agreed to approximate the definition of offences and the level of sanctions for certain type of offences, in particular when they had transnational aspects.

Second, just as mutual recognition of national standards was essential in achieving the European single market, mutual recognition of decisions taken by national judges is set to become the cornerstone of judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

Various specific tools to facilitate practical judicial cooperation have also been adopted and are now effective.

Finally, the EU is starting to be perceived as a specific partner on judicial cooperation in the international scene.

While developing its activities in those directions, the EU has carefully insisted on ensuring a high protection of individuals rights which characterise highly demanding democracies.