Brussels, 31/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 May, the Spanish Presidency hailed the agreement reached that day by the permanent ambassadors of the EU's 27 member states on a draft directive on the right to translation and interpretation in criminal proceedings (see EUROPE 10147). Adoption of this directive, which is expected to receive the backing of the justice and home affairs ministers, will significantly strengthen the rights of people suspected or accused of committing a criminal offence by guaranteeing their right to interpretation during investigation and judicial proceedings, the Presidency said. The right to have translated any documents essential for the defence of a suspected or accused person will also be guaranteed. (B.C./transl.rt)