November 28, 2000, marks a historic date for judicial cooperation between Italy and Spain. On this day, a bilateral treaty was signed in Rome, representing a significant step forward in the fight against serious crimes, such as terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking. This agreement revolutionizes the traditional approach to extradition, laying the foundation for a common justice space that transcends national borders.
A Treaty that Goes Beyond Extradition
The treaty between Italy and Spain introduced a radical change: for a series of particularly serious crimes, the lengthy and complex process of extradition is no longer necessary. Instead, thanks to the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions, a wanted person can be transferred from one state to another through a swift and simplified procedure. This approach not only speeds up the process but also eliminates many of the issues associated with extradition, such as the need to verify if an offense is punishable in both states.
Application of the Treaty: Types of Crimes and Procedures
The treaty applies exclusively to a series of offenses considered priorities by the European Union, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse of minors, all punishable by at least four years of imprisonment. The transfer procedure between Italy and Spain no longer requires a detailed verification of the offenses, making the process much faster compared to traditional extradition.
A Model for the European Union
This treaty represents not only a significant breakthrough for Italy and Spain but also serves as a model for the entire European Union. Judicial cooperation that transcends extradition is a decisive step toward creating a common legal space, where national borders do not impede justice. The hope is that this bilateral agreement will inspire other member states to follow the same path, further strengthening the fight against serious crimes in Europe.