Network of Public Prosecutors

or equivalent institutions

at the Supreme Judicial Courts

of the Member States of the European Union

       Réseau des Procureurs généraux

ou institutions équivalentes

près les Cours suprêmes judiciaires des Etats membres de l’Union européenne

FINAL DOCUMENT OF THE 5TH PLENARY MEETING

OF THE NETWORK OF EU PROSECUTORS GENERAL

Budapest, 26 May 2012

The Network of Public Prosecutors or equivalent institutions at the Supreme Judicial Courts of the Member States of the European Union approved this Final Document during the Plenary Meeting held in Budapest between 24-26 May 2012.

1. The General Assembly of the Conference refers to the common constitutional heritage of the European Union and to the founding principles of the European Union relating to freedom, democracy, the respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the rule of law. The task of the Prosecution Services and the Prosecutor Generals’ Offices in each country of the Union is the protection and the supervision of the respect of these principles.

2. We are convinced that the Network contributes to a more effective European cooperation by identifying common principles in the different legal systems of the Member States and by sharing experiences. We underline the importance of the examination of better utilization of the existing cooperation instruments.

3. In the past years, the economic, social and political stability of the European Union was severely tested by the global economic and financial crises. The effects of the crises are still perceivable in the Member States, therefore an actual topic Effect of the economic crises on the work and structure of Prosecution Services and on the training of prosecutors in the European Union has been chosen by the Network for this Plenary Meeting.

4. It is clear by now that due to the effect of the global financial and economic crisis Member State Prosecution Services have to face new challenges. In many countries criminality has increased or its structure has changed significantly. The current difficult economic and financial environment evokes professional challenges which emphasize the need of good governance. The independence, impartiality, financial autonomy and efficiency of public prosecutors are values that have to be assured and guaranteed under the present circumstances.

5. As austerity may have a contraproductive effect, in the present situation Member States should endeavour to provide for the Prosecution Services proper technical equipments, better access to training for prosecutors and other staff members, and better access to technical expertise that is required in support of evidence used in courts.

6. As a general principle the economic crisis should not influence the quality of prosecutorial work in a negative way. The introduction of new structures within the Prosecution Services e.g. the establishment of specialised units for fight against economic crimes and corruption, or quality assurance systems can contribute on a large scale to maintain professional quality.

7. To put the effects of the crisis in a wider context the Network calls the attention of its members to the following best practices introduced in the course of the Plenary Meeting: integrated management of human, material and financial resources and specific training in this respect; internal re-organisation; introduction of new administrative positions; profound monitoring of expenditures; utilization of EU funds in increasing organisational efficiency.

8. In this difficult period experience exchanges and mutual trust play an extremely important role. This applies both for institutional and interpersonal relations. By better cooperation and coordination among the European and domestic actors the fight against crime and the protection of rights can be considerably improved.