International Co-operation
Defending rights in cross-border cases
The WG offers access to a network of experts in extradition, mutual legal assistance, and international criminal law, drawn from several countries. We provide insights and extensive experience in cross-border matters from a wide range of jurisdictions that can be used to challenge local practices or as a prerequisite for bringing cases before the CJEU for a preliminary ruling.
Members benefit from opportunities to exchange perspectives with fellow practitioners during regular meetings on current legal and political developments.
Young lawyers will experience mutual support within the WG and have a platform to contribute new ideas while learning from the experience of established colleagues. This broad experience is also available to policymakers, academics and NGOs.
International Co-operation | Subgroups
Extradition
The Working Group on extradition aims to exchange information on extradition cases to assist practitioners.
Many countries face similar challenges, and referring to decisions from other member states can strengthen cases. This includes decisions from the ECJ and ECHR.
EAW
The European arrest warrant (EAW) and sibling instruments for the UK and Iceland/Norway are the criminal cooperation tools used to move people between the EU Member States, Norway/Iceland and the UK for purposes of prosecution or to execute a custodial sentence.
INTERPOL
INTERPOL’s mechanisms, such as Red Notices and diffusions, are increasingly used in cross-border cases and can have serious consequences for those affected.
The INTERPOL Working Group works to help ECBA members understand, challenge, and seek reform of these mechanisms to ensure fair process and protection of fundamental rights.
MLA
Criminal investigations are increasingly becoming cross-border. As a result, many investigative and prosecuting authorities around the globe have to use mutual legal assistance in order for instance to collect and exchange evidence, extradite suspects and obtain the transfer of assets abroad, all while respecting fundamental rights and rule of law principles.
Coordinator: Sören Schomburg
Sören Schomburg (Berlin) joined ECBA in 2017 and was elected to the Advisory Board in 2024. He represents clients in extradition and white-collar proceedings and is the author of various publications.
Coordinator: Rebecca Niblock
Rebecca Niblock is a partner with extensive experience in extradition, criminal law and human rights, advising in sensitive and high-profile cross-border matters.
Contact: international.cooperation.wg@ecba.org
If you are an ECBA member interested in joining a working group, please email us, providing a brief outline of your reasons for wanting to join.
Latest Posts
Mutual Legal Assistance WG Webinars
The purpose of the MLA working group webinars is to increase knowledge and awareness amongst defence practitioners about the various MLA instruments as well as procedural and other ECHR safeguards in that context.
Engaging with INTERPOL on Policy aspects
The Interpol WG seeks to engage with Interpol on policy, addressing governing shortcomings. We drive dialogue on transparency, fairness, and human rights safeguards, promoting continued improvement in its practices.
ECBA & LATR Submit Joint Response to INTERPOL’s CCF Statute Amendments
The ECBA and Lawyers Against Transnational Repression have submitted a joint response to INTERPOL’s Committee on the Processing of Data (CPD) regarding proposed amendments to the CCF Statute.
ECBA & LATR Joint Submission: Reforming INTERPOL’s Oversight – March 2026
The ECBA and Lawyers Against Transnational Repression (LATR) have submitted a joint response to INTERPOL’s Committee on the Processing of Data (CPD) regarding proposed amendments to the CCF Statute.
Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform – February 2026
The ECBA and Lawyers Against Transnational Repression (LATR) have submitted a joint response to INTERPOL’s Committee on the Processing of Data (CPD) regarding proposed amendments to the CCF Statute.
ECBA Assurance Project
States offer prison assurances to obtain surrender/extradition. These follow findings of incompliant detention conditions. We share these and seek to ensure compliance therewith.
EAW Handbook update and launch events
The EAW Handbook helps defence lawyers obtain the best outcome for clients when challenging EAWs in either the issuing or executing State.
Extradition WG monthly Webinars
Lawyers practicing in EAW and extradition cases exchange experiences in domestic cases which can be of interest for other jurisdictions.
ECBA Response to INTERPOL CPD Call for Papers – October 2025
The European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) submitted a response to the Committee on the Processing of Data (CPD)’s call for contributions in relation to...
ECBA Response to Interpol CPD Call for Papers – April 2025
The European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) has submitted a response to the Committee on the Processing of Data (CPD) in relation to proposed amendments...
Current and future initiatives
The ECBA International Co-operation working group is engaged in a variety of current and future initiatives, ranging from legislative monitoring to practical projects supporting defence rights across Europe. Members are warmly invited to join specific projects within these groups, contributing their expertise and shaping the outcomes together.
Mutual Legal Assistance WG Webinars
The purpose of the MLA working group webinars is to increase knowledge and awareness amongst defence practitioners about the various MLA instruments as well as procedural and other ECHR safeguards in that context.
Engaging with INTERPOL on Policy aspects
The Interpol WG seeks to engage with Interpol on policy, addressing governing shortcomings. We drive dialogue on transparency, fairness, and human rights safeguards, promoting continued improvement in its practices.
ECBA Assurance Project
States offer prison assurances to obtain surrender/extradition. These follow findings of incompliant detention conditions. We share these and seek to ensure compliance therewith.
EAW Handbook update and launch events
The EAW Handbook helps defence lawyers obtain the best outcome for clients when challenging EAWs in either the issuing or executing State.
Extradition WG monthly Webinars
Lawyers practicing in EAW and extradition cases exchange experiences in domestic cases which can be of interest for other jurisdictions.