In 2017, the ECBA published the first edition of its EAW Handbook. This flagship publication provided practical advice to defence lawyers who may be unfamiliar with the EAW mechanism: what can I challenge? Can I obtain access to the casefile? What can a lawyer in the issuing State do? Is Legal Aid available?
In recent years, the CJEU has developed significant caselaw on issues like which national bodies can issue EAWs, the approach to prison conditions/assurances and the breakdown of the rule of law/judicial independence in certain Member States.
In 2026, the ECBA will launch its second edition of the EAW Handbook which will provide a timely update on the above issues. As before, its focus remains on practical assistance to defence practitioners. The new edition will include a section on post-Brexit EU-UK cooperation, updates on the procedural rights directives and pursuing other options to surrender (like pre-trial bail within the EU and transferring sentences of detention).
Coordinators
Stefan Hyman is a barrister at 9BR Chambers (London) and called in England and Wales and Ireland. Specialist in extradition, EAW, criminal law and sanctions.
Katarzyna Dabrowska is a specialist in international criminal law, covering extradition issues and all matters related to international cooperation in criminal proceedings (including the European Investigation Order, the transfer of judgments, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and international investigation teams).
Marie Poirot specializes in criminal law, international criminal law and white-collar crime, with a focus on cross-border cases. Her practice also includes international enforcement and asset recovery, especially in the context of complex fraud.