Modernising judicial cooperation: Commission paves the way for further digitalisation of EU justice systems

1 Dec 2021 03:23 PM

The European Commission yesterday adopted several initiatives to digitalise EU justice systems, making them more accessible and effective. The overarching aim of the measures is to make digital communication channels the default channel in cross-border judicial cases, thus translating one of the priorities set out in last year's Communication on the Digitalisation of Justice into action. 

In the EU's internal market today, many legal disputes between citizens and businesses take place across borders. Also, to fight cross-border crime more effectively, different Member States and judicial systems need to work hand in hand. Investigative authorities and courts of different Member States need to cooperate and support each other in the investigation and prosecution of crimes and exchange information and evidence securely and swiftly.

VÄ›ra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, yesterday said:

“Crime does not stop at a border; neither should justice. Today's proposals will help prosecutors and judges to cooperate faster and more effectively. We must make the best use of digital technologies to provide judicial authorities, citizens and businesses with swift and secure means of exchange of information. This is key for easier and faster access to justice.”

Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice, yesterday said:

“Effective and quality justice systems require effective tools. We already have many instruments to facilitate EU cross-border judicial cooperation. However, not all of them are up-to-date and we urgently need to modernise them. Justice systems also need to be more resilient to crises. Courts should be able to function in all circumstances. This is a principle of rule of law. Equipping justice systems with the appropriate tools can support this objective.  Today, we are delivering on the Commission's ambitions for creating a truly efficient and resilient European area of freedom, security and justice.”

Click here for the full press release