Tech & Rights

Spain Fails to Implement Key EU Directives before Deadline

Spain has missed the deadlines for implementing critical EU directives on criminal proceedings, as NGOs urge action by the Ministry of Justice.

by Rights International Spain

The deadlines to approve the necessary regulations and laws to comply with the European Union directive on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings (Directive 2010/64/EU) and the directive on the right to information in criminal proceedings (Directive 2012/13/EU) expired on October 27, 2013, and June 2, 2014, respectively. The regulations proposed by the Ministry of Justice to transpose both directives – belated and contained in the final provisions of the draft bill on the status of victims – do not duly guarantee the rights recognized therein.

Rights International Spain and other organizations and groups have sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice highlighting these issues and urging the government to correct the deficiencies. The letter also reminds the Ministry of Justice of the obligation of EU member states to transpose directives duly and effectively, or else risk the opening of the European Commission's infringement proceedings under Article 260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which outlines the enforcement proceedings of the Commission and judicial proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union. In fact, the European Commission contacted the government in May to express its concerns over the lack of sufficient measures to implement Directive 2010/64/EU.

Donate to liberties

Your contribution matters

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.

We’re grateful to all our supporters

Your contributions help us in the following ways

► Liberties remains independent
► It provides a stable income, enabling us to plan long-term
► We decide our mission, so we can focus on the causes that matter
► It makes us stronger and more impactful

Your contribution matters

As a watchdog organisation, Liberties reminds politicians that respect for human rights is non-negotiable. We're determined to keep championing your civil liberties, will you stand with us? Every donation, big or small, counts.

Subscribe to stay in

the loop

Why should I?

You will get the latest reports before everyone else!

You can follow what we are doing for your right!

You will know about our achivements!

Show me a sample!