Ukraine joined the Valletta Protocol on Modernization of International Cooperation in Crime Investigation
The Minister of Justice of Ukraine Herman Galushchenko signed the Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, known as the Valletta Protocol. The document is aimed at modernizing the mechanisms of international cooperation during the investigation of criminal crimes, reports the press service of the Ministry of Justice.
The signing ceremony took place on September 19 in Valletta as part of the Council of Europe’s Informal Conference of Justice Ministers “Cross-Border Cooperation and Mutual Assistance: Strengthening Cooperation to Counter Transnational Crime.” In addition to Ukraine, 15 other member states of the Council of Europe signed the protocol.
“We must keep up with the times if we want to successfully counter war, organized and international crimes. Europe cannot fully respond to socio-political challenges and use new technological means without updating the legal framework. Today, we signed an important document that will help increase the effectiveness and efficiency of mutual legal assistance in criminal cases within the borders of Europe”, – noted Minister of Justice of Ukraine Herman Galushchenko.
The Valletta Protocol expands the provisions of the European Convention and the two previous protocols, adapting them to modern conditions. Ukraine was among the states that participated in the development of its text. The protocol provides for the simplification and acceleration of mutual assistance procedures, the expansion of the cases in which states can request support, the wider use of electronic communications and video conferences, in particular for working with e-evidence and conducting online interrogations, the permission to use technical means of surveillance, such as GPS tracking or the interception of telecommunications, as well as the establishment of clear procedural deadlines.
The introduction of digital tools will make it possible to significantly speed up the exchange of requests, increase their level of protection and reduce the number of refusals in international legal assistance. The next stage after the signing will be the preparation of the implementation law on amendments to Ukrainian legislation to implement the provisions of the protocol.
