Brussels, 12/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 March, MEPs adopted the own-initiative report by Manuel Medina Ortega (PES, Spain), calling for enhanced cooperation between the justice systems of member states in the taking of evidence in civil and commercial matters. Approving the report by 646 votes to 18 and 9 abstentions, MEPs stressed the need to encourage full cooperation as well as direct contact between the different justice systems in order to promote greater efficiency in this field, but above all to avoid wasting time and money. They also consider that member states could do more to help national courts to comply with the 90-day time-limit laid down for taking of evidence. In their view, part of the answer may be more training for judges. MEPs are also firmly convinced it is necessary to step up use of information technology, mainly secure e-mail communications and video conferencing. At present, courts in only 13 member states accept e-mail requests and courts in only 11 member states have video conferencing facilities. (B.C./transl.jl)