17 January 2007

High-ranking European government officials are aiming to use Internet-based technology to "overcome borders" and enhance the justice system.

The ministers of justice of the European Union predict that new technology can boost cooperation between member countries and ultimately be of benefit to citizens at any stage of the judicial system.

An example of this provided by Germany's EU Council Presidency is a networked criminal records system in Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Spain and Luxembourg, which has proven to be "a success" in enabling a cross-border exchange of information.

Brigitte Zypries, justice and home affairs council president and federal minister of justice, notes that all EU countries are planning to implement e-justice solutions in the near future.

"In a European area of freedom, security and justice with porous borders, information technology-based support of the justice sector must not end at the internal borders," she remarks.

Earlier this week, the European Commission announced the launch of ERAWATCH, a new online information resource of scientific research and funding within the EU.

© Adfero Ltd

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