Mutual Assistance Between Belgium, France, Germany And The Netherlands. A Comparative Analysis Of Possibilities And Difficulties

Abstract

The legal framework for mutual assistance in criminal matters between Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands consists of a mosaic of international instruments for the provision of legal assistance. There is the Convention of 29 May 2000 on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Member States of the European Union (EU Convention), which serves to supplement and facilitate the application of the ECMA provisions and the associated Additional Protocol of 17 March 1978, the provisions of the SIC regarding mutual assistance in criminal matters, and, as far as the Benelux is concerned. The Prum Convention signed by Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Austria on 27 May 2005 must also be considered. This Convention aims to intensify cross-border cooperation, particularly with the objective of combating terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal immigration. Keywords: Belgium; ECMA; European Union (EU); France; Germany; mutual assistance conventions; Netherlands