Written question asked by Austin Mitchell (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 June 1999. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 June 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer of 15th June 1999, 333 c91W, concerning the topics to be raised by the special European Council meeting at Tampere, Finland, concerning co-ordination of judicial and home affairs, if he will define the phrase, European judicial area, and provide reference to the relevant Treaty articles providing a basis for its use. - Inc ref to Article 65 of European Community Treaty, and 29,31 and 32 of Treaty on European Union.

Answer: Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999, Official Report, column 91, concerning the topics to be raised by the special European Council meeting at Tampere, Finland, concerning co-ordination of judicial and home affairs, if he will define the phrase, European Judicial Area, and provide reference to the relevant Treaty articles providing a basis for its use. [88677] Mr. Straw: Following the conclusions of the Vienna European Council, which asked for "particular attention to be paid to the creation of a European Judicial Area, in accordance with the Treaty of Amsterdam", the Government understands the phrase "European Judicial Area" as referring principally to closer judicial co-operation in criminal and civil matters between the Member States. The relevant Treaty Articles are Article 65 of the European Community Treaty, and 29, 31 and 32 of the Treaty on European Union.

Secondary information