European Council Adopts Decision on Counter-Terrorism Police and Judicial Cooperation

On December 19, 2002, the European Council adopted a decision implementing specific measures for police and judicial cooperation to combat terrorism in accordance with Article 4 of the Council Common Position. Article 4 of the Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP of December 27, 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism provides that EU Members must, through police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, within the framework of Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, afford each other the widest possible assistance in preventing and combating terrorist acts. The assistance must be based on and fully exploit the existing powers of the EU Members in accordance with acts of the EU and other international agreements, arrangements and conventions that are binding on EU Members. Assistance will be provided in conformity with the national laws of the EU Members, particularly those with regard to confidentiality of criminal investigations…[more]