The area of Freedom, Security and Justice has brought about some of the most profound changes in the EU over the last two decades. It is a policy field with direct influence on everyday life, as it was created to safeguard the free movement of persons and to offer a high level of protection to citizens. Introduced by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, judicial cooperation in criminal matters ensures safety for EU citizens within the area of Freedom, Security and Justice by helping prevent and combat crime. However, the evolution of the judicial cooperation in criminal matters presents new challenges and perspectives. This is the focus of the Criminal Justice Conference “Challenges and Perspectives of Judicial Cooperation in penal cases for 2020”, which will be held on 3 April at Zappeion Megaron, in Athens.

Policy makers, academics and lawyers from EU countries will exchange views and experience on key issues, such as the Mutual Recognition Principle. The principle of mutual recognition of judgments and judicial decisions by Member States is the basis of judicial cooperation in criminal matters and involves the approximation of related national laws as well as the application of common minimum rules.

In addition, experts will consider the protection of the EU’s financial interests, a top priority for all Member States, especially under the current economic circumstances. It is estimated that every year, around € 500 million in EU expenditure and revenue is lost due to suspected fraud.

Experts will also discuss the procedural safeguards in criminal proceedings, in the light of the legislative package strengthening procedural rights, which was recently presented by the European Commission. Much attention will be paid to the Commission’s recommendation on procedural safeguards for vulnerable persons suspected or accused in criminal proceedings and to the Directive on the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at trial in criminal proceedings.

The conference will be opened by the Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou. The event is co-organised by the Greek Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights and the European Commission.