The Council reached a general approach on a draft Framework Decision on the recognition and supervision of suspended sentences, alternative sanctions and conditional sentences.
Portugal had designated the work on the draft Framework Decision as one of the main objectives of its Presidency in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters.
Building on the preparatory work carried out by the German Presidency, the Portuguese Presidency, making considerable efforts, was able to achieve a general approach on the Framework Decision within only 11 months from the start of negotiations.
At the Council some Member States and the Commission regretted the concessions that had to be made on certain issues, such as on the issue of dual criminality, in order to reach agreement. It was however generally acknowledged that the current package constituted a balanced text which was carefully drafted so as to enable all Member States to agree to the text.
The Council bodies will be invited to examine and finalise the recitals, as well as the certificate and the form.