This briefing paper addresses the proposal for a Directive on the Right of Access to a Lawyer in Criminal Proceedings and the Right to Communicate Upon Arrest.
The ICJ warmly welcomes the draft Directive, as an important support for effective implementation in EU Member states of the right of access to a lawyer as recognized in international human rights law and standards.
The paper makes recommendations for strengthening the protection offered by the Directive on several points, and responds to comments of the Presidency, and of certain Member States, on the Commission’s draft.
EU directive on the right of access to a laweyer-analysis brief-2011 (full text, PDF)