The ECBA is extremely concerned about the General Approach of the Member States agreed on 8 June 2012.

The rapporteur of the LIBE Committee of the European Parliament (Ms Antonescu) and the MEPs that are backing her report of 7 February 2012 deserve respect and support in their political fight for the Directive. It is a fight for fundamental rights of innocent European citizens.

Therefore the ECBA has prepared a 2nd Statement on the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Right of Access to a Lawyer in Criminal Proceedings and on the Right to Communicate upon Arrest. This Statement will been sent to the Commissioner Mrs Reding and the Ministers of Justice of the Member States.

Please click here for the ECBA Statement and here for the Draft Text Revised by the Council per 31 May 2012 (Council Document 10467/12).

October 2012: You will find the latest text on Measure C following discussions in the first and second trilogue meeting below (click on text and comments).

The text (DS 1650/12) is from the Council Presidency and has been sent to members of the Council (Member States).  It includes comments on the positions taken by the Commission and the Parliament and the paper includes various options for Member States to consider.