EU justice commissioner calls for single EU prosecutor News
EU justice commissioner calls for single EU prosecutor

[JURIST] EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Franco Frattini [official profile] is moving forward with plans to create a single European Union prosecutor and strengthen the the EU's prosecutorial body Eurojust [official website], according to an interview with EUobserver published Wednesday. Frattini indicated that once EU leaders agree to the Reform Treaty [EU materials; JURIST news archive], the commission will proceed with proposals to establish regular channels for information exchange from member states to Eurojust, and also move to seek concessions from member states for a "more effective decision-making process" in the area of justice and home affairs. Frattini said that while the EU is unlikely to have a common criminal code, he hopes that there will be greater "harmonization" in the definition of certain criminal activities that often encompass multiple borders.

The UK government has insisted on four-non-negotiable "red lines" [JURIST report], objecting to any incorporation of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights [European Parliament materials] or relinquishing control of the UK's common law and judicial and police system. Frattini said that he hopes that the UK government will, on its own accord, pass legislation incorporating the proposed reforms. EUobserver has more.