Implementation of EU law in criminal matters through cooperation between the judiciary and NPM (Viedeň)

As you already know, the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights (BIM) in Vienna and ERA are implementing an EU co-financed project from October 2015 to March 2017 to support judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the European Union.

The main objectives of this very important project are to strengthen cooperation between the judiciary and national mechanisms for the prevention of torture and ill-treatment (NPMs) in the EU, as well as to contribute to the correct and consistent implementation of the Framework Decisions on mutual recognition relating to detention (and of the European Arrest Warrant), in full accordance with fundamental rights.

The project is divided into three phases. The first two phases (desk study, workshops) have already taken place or have been launched.

The final phase will include a conference in Vienna with NPMs, judges as well as relevant stakeholders on 16-17 November 2016, with the purpose to identify concrete ways to strengthen cooperation.

A study will  finally be published on judicial cooperation and the role of NPMs to strengthen the consistent and correct implementation of EU law in criminal matters. It will comprise good practice examples and recommendations identified during research the consultations on how to improve cooperation between judges and NPMs for a more consistent implementation of EU law in line with fundamental rights standards, targeting judiciary, NPMs and EU institutions.

This event is co-organised by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights (BIM) and the Academy of European Law (ERA) in Trier, Germany. The conference will be held each day at Haus der Europäischen Union Wipplingerstraße 35, 1010 Vienna. It will bring together NPMs and member of the judiciary from the EU, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) as well as representatives from the EU, State and civil society.

The purpose of the event is to present the findings of a study on the cooperation between the judiciary and NPMs in the EU, prepared by BIM and ERA. The exchanges and discussions at the workshop will contribute and complement the research already undertaken in connection with this Study.

The conference which will comprise of presentations, panel discussions and working groups, will provide a platform for representatives of NPMs and members of the judiciary from across the EU to meet and discuss the implementation of framework decisions relating to detention. This event will further provide an opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss current developments, and consider concrete recommendations in order to improve cooperation and to ensure a fundamental rights based implementation of EU law.

This is the final one of three events that will result in a study aimed at raising awareness of key mutual recognition instruments, and to discuss the important roles that judges and NPMs play in the practical and human rights based implementation of EU law.