Nicosia: Cyprus has signed two Council of Europe agreements. The first is the Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and the second is the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Bj¸rn Berge, expressed gratitude on his 'X' account, acknowledging Cyprus and Ambassador George S. Yiangou for their support and commitment in signing these significant agreements.
The Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters is designed to enhance the ability of member and partner states to effectively tackle crime, especially in an era marked by rapid political, social, and technological changes. This protocol updates the original Convention from 1959 and its first two Additional Protocols, addressing contemporary challenges.
Key improvements include the simplification and acceleration of mutual assistance procedures, expanding the range of scenarios where mutual assistance can be requested, and increasing the use of electronic communication channels and video conferencing. It also facilitates the use of technical surveillance tools such as GPS trackers and telecommunications interception, alongside the introduction of time limits.
The European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC), the driving force behind this initiative, highlighted the necessity to revise certain provisions, particularly considering the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and the growing reliance on digital tools in judicial cooperation.
Simultaneously, the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law seeks to prevent and combat environmental crime, foster national and international cooperation, and establish minimum legal standards to guide States in their national legislation. The primary aim is to promote and enhance environmental protection.