The authorities applying EU instruments of criminal justice must be supported

– It is important to support those who apply the instruments in practice. The training of the authorities, especially the prosecutors and judges, plays a key role in this context. Training and mutual familiarity between authorities are important also because they strengthen the mutual trust between Member States, Luhtanen said.

The European Council adopted during the previous Finnish Presidency in 1999 the principle of mutual recognition as the cornerstone of EU judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters. The discussions at the informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers last September in Tampere showed that this principle, i.e. the direct implementation in another Member State of decisions of judicial authorities, still constitutes the base of the judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

– In my opinion results have been achieved and the principle of mutual recognition has become established along with the adoption of new instruments.

It is, however, important, according to Minister Luhtanen, that the necessity of a new instrument is carefully assessed before a legislative initiative is taken.

– It is not enough to ascertain the legislative differences between Member States. It should also be determined whether there are such problems complicating the practical cooperation that can be eliminated through the new instruments.

– Making full use of organizations supporting international cooperation, such as Eurojust, is also of key importance.

Additional information:
EU Coordinator Sebastian Sass, Ministry of Justice, tel. +358 050 525 26 72