New Agreements with Europe

Of particular note, the Agreements provide for the formation of joint EU-U.S. investigative teams, the use of video technology for taking testimony abroad, and, importantly, the exchange of information regarding suspect bank accounts in investigations of any alleged serious crime, including not only terrorism and organized crime but also financial fraud. Further, the Agreements broaden the range of extraditable offenses by allowing extradition for any offense punishable by more than 1 year of imprisonment.

Signed by the United States and the EU on June 25, 2003, these agreements must undergo bilateral implementing protocols prior to submission to the Senate for ratification, which reportedly will not occur before sometime in 2006. The Agreements supplement rather than supplant the bilateral treaties currently in effect between the United States and EU member states, with the stated intent of streamlining the procedures for extradition and mutual legal assistance by easing formal requirements, simplifying pertinent documentation, and providing for the designation of administrative authorities for making and executing requests. Grounds for refusal to extradite or provide mutual assistance may still be based upon bilateral treaties or principles of domestic law.