21/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 21 October, the European Parliament adopted the consultative report by Gérard Deprez (ALDE, Belgium) (568 votes to 67 and 34 abstentions) on a draft framework decision aimed at creating a European mandate of proof (MOP) directly recognisable and implemented in EU member states. MEPs hopes to do away with the clause on territoriality introduced by the Council allowing a country to refuse an MOP when infringements have been committed wholly or partially on its territory. This example, like the reduction of the scope for abolition of double incrimination, or Germany's opt-out, prompts Mr Deprez to say that the content of the proposal has been emptied of its added value. It is “also the clear sign that unanimity no longer allows the EU to move sufficiently towards a coherent criminal justice area”, he said. (B.C./transl.jl)