Skip to main content
English

Manual

This guide covers the use of videoconferencing equipment in cross-border court proceedings in the European Union. It discusses the organizational, technical and legal aspects of the use of videoconferencing technology. Furthermore, it analyzes the use of equipment in courtrooms and witness rooms, and the use of portable equipment. The guidance applies to cases where videoconferencing is used for any part of legal proceedings, in particular for taking of evidence from remote locations in other EU Member States.

Guide on videoconferencing in cross-border proceedings (PDF)

CONTENTS

1. CROSS-BORDER VIDEOCONFERENCING IN THE EU

1.1. Scope and Background

1.2. Overview of the Legal Framework in European Union law

2. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR VIDEOCONFERENCING

2.1. Preparatory arrangements

2.2. The Request

2.3. The Necessary Preparations

2.4. Interpretation

2.5. The Hearing

2.6. Minutes of the Hearing

3. TECHNICAL ASPECTS

3.1. Background to Technical Requirements

3.2. General Arrangements and Quality Principles

3.2.1. Videoconferencing Equipment - Image

3.2.1. Videoconferencing Equipment - Sound

3.3. Operation of the videoconferencing equipment

3.3.1. Recordings and Use of Documents

3.3.2. Multipoint connections and bridging

ANNEXES

4. Annex I – Further Explanation of the Legal Framework for the Use of Videoconferencing in Cross-border Cases

4.1. The Legal Framework in Criminal Matters

4.2. The Legal Framework in Civil and Commercial Matters

5. Annex II - TECHNICAL STANDARDS

6. Annex III - KEY STEPS FOR USING VIDEOCONFERENCING IN CROSS-BORDER PROCEEDINGS

Last update:

This page is maintained by the European Commission. The information on this page does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission. The Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice with regard to copyright rules for European pages.
Report a technical/content problem or give feedback on this page