The Informal Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe is convened annually by the member state holding the rotating Presidency of the Committee of Ministers during the second half of the year. Its aim is to provide a strategic platform for Justice Ministers across the Council’s member states to engage in dialogue on urgent and evolving legal and judicial matters.
In 1959, the Council of Europe established the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, based on the conviction that establishing common rules in the field of mutual legal assistance would significantly advance international cooperation in the fight against crime. Together with its Protocols, and other Council of Europe Conventions in fields such as extradition, the transfer of sentenced persons, cybercrime and e-evidence, it forms a vital legal framework for effective cross-border cooperation in combating crime.
Against the backdrop of an ever-evolving nature of crime, the need for strengthened cooperation and forward-looking mechanisms becomes ever more urgent. The Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe firmly believes that enhanced cooperation remains both essential and mutually beneficial.
The chosen topic for the informal Ministerial Conference: “Cross Border Cooperation and Mutual assistance: the strengthening of cooperation to counter transnational crimes” – is both timely and aligned with the Council of Europe’s priorities. It also reflects Malta’s commitment to advancing international cooperation in Criminal matters.
In this context, the upcoming informal Ministerial Conference aims not only to ensure ongoing dialogue among State Parties on continuing to further enhance mutual assistance in criminal matters, but also to explore the current state and future direction being taken by the 1959 Convention and its Protocols. Special attention will also be given to the practical application of the existing framework and the role of technology and digitalisation in enhancing cooperation.
Importantly, a key milestone of the meeting will be the opening for signature of the Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, known as the ‘Valletta Protocol’, at the margins of the Ministerial Conference.