Common standards for detention and prison conditions in the EU: recommendations and the need for legislative measures

Abstract

This article aims at providing arguments in support of further action of the EU on prison and detention conditions in the Member States. It is argued that in order to facilitate mutual trust and recognition, the EU should move towards adopting common standards in this area, which should be followed by close monitoring that the Member States indeed follow these standards in practice. It is also argued that prison and detention conditions respecting human rights are necessary not only for the purposes of mutual trust, but they express important values the EU carries: the rule of law, and respect for human and constitutional rights.