Digitalisation for a more efficient judicial cooperation in the EU

Reducing digitalisation disparities among EU members

Possibility of videoconferencing, electronic exchange of documents and payment of fees

Inclusive approch for people with dissabilities

New rules will allow for the use of digital technology in cross-border judicial proceedings.

With 551 votes for, 5 against and 6 abstentions, the European Parliament approved the regulation and with 555 votes for, 5 against and 4 abstentions it approved the directive containing new rules for modernising access to justice in the EU. The new package, agreed by the Parliament and Council negotiators in June, aims to reduce costs and delays in cross-border judicial proceedings in the EU by allowing for the use of digital tools such as videoconferencing, electronic exchange of documents and digital payment of fees.

Training for justice professionals

The European Commission will set up an IT system ensuring communication between state authorities, individuals and companies in civil, commercial and criminal proceedings. MEPs ensured that justice professionals such as prosecutors and judges will receive adequate training on the use of the IT system and its tools and the Commission should include these trainings into EU financial programs. The system should also provide natural and legal persons with information on their rights and legal aid.

Electronic documents and payments

According to the new rules, hearings can be organised using videoconferencing or similar system and countries have to ensure that such infrastructure is accessible for everyone including people with disabilities. It will also be possible to exchange documents electronically, using electronic seals and signatures and electronic payment of fees will be made possible.

Based on the information from member states, the European Commission should evalute implementation of the law every five years and if necessary to come up with new legislative proposals ensuring digitalisation of judicial cooperation across the EU.

Quote

LIBE Co-rapporteur Marina Kaljurand (S&D, EE) said: "Citizens will benefit from a timely access to justice as we increase the efficiency and security of communication between judicial authorities. Crucially, we will also ensure accessibility of electronic services and the right to be informed before deciding on consent to be heard via videoconference.”

JURI Co-rapporteur Emil Radev (EPP, BG) noted: "We are enhancing judicial cooperation in cross-border proceedings and ensuring better access to justice for our citizens. They will more easily participate in oral hearings via video conferencing and communicate with the competent authorities through the newly established European access point.”

Background

The European Commission presented its proposal of regulation and directive in December 2021. Its objective was to ensure judicial cooperation among member states even in force majeure events such as COVID-19 pandemics while eliminating digitalisation disparities among them.

By adopting this legislation, Parliament is responding to citizens’ expectations for strengthened cross-border cooperation, improved digital access to public and private services and for a data infrastructure based on European values in line with proposals 12(15), 31(6) and 35(7) of the Report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Next steps

Both pieces of legislation will enter into force twenty days after their publication in the Official Journal. The regulation will be applied 15 months later.