This report analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) mechanism, focusing on judicial cooperation in criminal matters across the EU. Developed as part of the EPHESUS project, the report provides insights into procedural adaptations and the use of technology, such as videoconferencing, to address pandemic-induced challenges while ensuring compliance with fundamental rights. The Centre for the Study of Democracy contributed to this comprehensive analysis by conducting targeted research in Bulgaria, highlighting the effects of pandemic-related judicial delays, the use of alternative measures to the EAW, and the potential risks to procedural rights. The findings inform recommendations to improve the proportionality and efficiency of EAW procedures, with an emphasis on aligning cross-border judicial practices with fundamental rights in post-pandemic scenarios.

The full report is available on the EPHESUS website here.