Application of the principle of mutual recognition to judgments in criminal matters imposing custodial sentences or measures involving deprivation of liberty for the purpose of their enforcement in the European Union. Framework Decision. Initiative Austria, Finland, Sweden

At its meeting on 15 February 2007 the Justice and Home Affairs Council reached an agreement on a general approach on the Framework Decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to judgments in criminal matters imposing custodial sentences or measures involving deprivation of liberty for the purpose of their enforcement in the European Union.

The Working Party on Cooperation in Criminal Matters and the JHA Counsellors further examined the proposal and finalised the work on the certificate annexed to it, as well as the form for the notification of the person.

The European Parliament is now being reconsulted on the final text resulting from these discussions.

A Council declaration is introduced in relation to the rehabilitation purpose of this Framework Decision: it underlines that the successful rehabilitation of the sentenced person in a State with which he or she has the closest links is the fundamental purpose of this Framework Decision. It underlines that this purpose should be a factor of primary importance for the issuing State each time the decision on the need of the forwarding of the judgment and the certificate to the executing state is being made.

The text of the proposal is subject to parliamentary reservations entered by DK/IE/NL/UK/SE.