Dec 01 - Gibraltar Extends Police And Judicial Cooperation Measures
The Government has today published a series of Regulations to give effect to enhanced cooperation in the European Union in the area of police and criminal judicial cooperation.
The Regulations ensure the transposition of the justice and home affairs (“JHA”) provisions which apply to Gibraltar as a consequence of the “opt-out” of the JHA measures and subsequent partial “opt-in” by the United Kingdom. These measures apply to Gibraltar with effect from today.
The measures cover a wide ambit of police and criminal judicial cooperation areas and include provisions which Gibraltar was already a part of, such as the European Arrest Warrant and decisions on combatting child pornography on the internet (where our legislation is being amended to strengthen its effect). It also includes new measures to Gibraltar in areas such as cooperation between law enforcement agencies, asset recovery, exchange of intelligence and information, mutual recognition of criminal freezing orders, confiscation orders, financial penalties and bail conditions.
Commenting on the publication of the Regulations, the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo said: “Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar has made clear its commitment to cooperation within the European Union and I welcome the Home Secretary's support for the UK's and Gibraltar's continued participation in key areas of Justice and Home Affairs cooperation. Gibraltar continues to demonstrate its positive approach and commitment to full transparency with all its EU partners, including with our near neighbours. This commitment will continue as we implement the JHA measures in which we shall be participating as from today.”
The Minister for Justice, Gilbert Licudi said: “I warmly welcome the opportunities for enhanced police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters which we are today giving effect to. Many of these measures apply to Gibraltar for the first time and we have as a result been able to secure new opportunities for enhancing the participation of our police and judicial authorities in tackling cross-border crime.”
