07/01/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 6 January, the European Commission launched a call for evidence for an initiative on the legislative framework for a European investigation order in criminal matters. The initiative should make it possible to remedy the shortcomings of Directive 2014/41/EU in order to strengthen cross-border judicial cooperation, particularly with regard to the gathering of evidence. It also provides for the establishment of common rules governing the use of videoconferencing and remote communication technologies for the participation of suspects, prosecuted persons and victims in criminal hearings organised in another Member State, accompanied by harmonised procedural guarantees. Open until 3 February, the call is aimed at national authorities, legal practitioners, NGOs, researchers and other stakeholders. Call for evidence: https://aeur.eu/f/k6l ; to take part: https://aeur.eu/f/k6j (NP)