Brussels, 21/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Council of Bars and Law Societies of the European Union (CCBE) "welcomed" the publication on Wednesday of the European Commission Green Paper on Procedural Safeguards for Suspects and Defendants in Criminal Proceedings (see EUROPE of 19 February, p.17). The CCBE believes this marks "a first step in establishing sound EU-wide minimum guarantees". It stresses the importance of reinforcing these rights "before further powers in the criminal field are granted to EU authorities".
UK Liberal MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has also welcomed the adoption of this document. She has urged the Council to "commit to the swift agreement of this framework decision" to be proposed by the Commission this autumn on the basis of the discussion engendered by the Green Paper, to bolster Member States' confidence regarding recognition of rights, and to allow the correct application of the European Arrest Warrant, once this enters into force.