Mitsilegas, Valsamis; Bergström, Maria; Konstadinides, Theodore --- "Introduction" [2016] ELECD 487; in Mitsilegas, Valsamis; Bergström, Maria; Konstadinides, Theodore (eds), "Research Handbook on EU Criminal Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2016) 1

Book Title: Research Handbook on EU Criminal Law

Editor(s): Mitsilegas, Valsamis; Bergström, Maria; Konstadinides, Theodore

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781783473304

Section Title: Introduction

Author(s): Mitsilegas, Valsamis; Bergström, Maria; Konstadinides, Theodore

Number of pages: 6

Abstract/Description:

This book provides an advanced analysis of EU criminal law as a distinct policy area and field of research, which has procedural, substantive and institutional dimensions. It aims to reflect critically on the wide range, scope and significance of EU criminal legislation and institutions and their impact upon the course of European integration. This study is highly pertinent now because tackling cross-border crime has incrementally become one of the European Union’s top priorities. Indeed, the EU aspires to maintain its reputation as an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) based, inter alia, on accelerated mutual assistance in criminal matters. Almost complementary to the prohibitions imposed upon Member States to create the right conditions for the free movement of persons in the EU, the fast-developing criminal law acquis serves to prevent the free movement of offenders and to reduce their capacity to exploit their fundamental freedom to move across the Member States in order to resort to unsanctioned cross-border criminal activity.