Law Weblog

No safe havens for criminals in European Union

1.1.04:
Lengthy extradition procedures have given way to the long awaited European Arrest Warrant (EAW) for serious crimes, including terrorism throughout the European Union. The EAW replaces court decisions in the country where the person has been found, perhaps followed by appeals, sometimes lasting years.
The EAW removes the risk of refusal by courts, which do not always recognise the legal proceedings. The final decision, which until now has been made by a politician, has been removed.
A European arrest warrant may be issued by a national court for an offence carrying at least one year in prison or where the person sought has been sentenced to at least four months.
Details here