Development of an EU Criminal Justice Area

Study 15-07-2009

Does an EU criminal justice area exist? If so, what are its defining characteristics and shortcomings? What developments would be welcome, and why? This study aims to answer such questions. At the dawn of the possible ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, it is essential to recall how much the European Union has achieved in this field, and equally important to stress the absolute need to continue in the chosen manner constructing this area in which the lack of borders goes hand-in-hand with free access to justice and the prosecution of offences common to the Member States, overcoming national specificities.