European Commission proposals on Procedural Safeguards

The European Commission has presented a package of proposals to further strengthen procedural safeguards for citizens in criminal proceedings.

  1. A Directive to strengthen the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at trial in criminal proceedings
  2. A Directive on special safeguards for children suspected or accused of a crime
  3. A Directive on the right to provisional legal aid for citizens suspected or accused of a crime and for those subject to a European Arrest Warrant

These legislative proposals are complemented by two Commission Recommendations to Member States:

  1. A Recommendation on procedural safeguards for vulnerable people suspected or accused in criminal proceedings
  2. A Recommendation on the right to legal aid for suspects or accused persons in criminal proceedings

You will find the Commission press release at:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-1157_en.htm

 

November 2013.