The European Protection Order – A brief overview for judicial practitioners

European Protection Order A brief overview for judicial practitioners This leaflet provides basic information on the European Protection Order. What is an EPO? The European Protection Order (EPO) is a mutual recognition instrument that aims to guarantee protection to all victims of violence who decide to move or travel to another Member State. It applies following criminal conduct, or alleged criminal conduct, by the person causing danger and is based on a national protection order. The EPO necessitates consultation between the competent authorities to ensure its efficient application throughout its life cycle. Directive 2011/99/ EU Who can request and issue an EPO? The EPO is issued, at the request of the protected person by a judicial or equivalent authority in a Member State, to protect a person from a criminal act that may endanger their life, physical, sexual or psychological integrity, dignity or personal liberty. What are the protection measures? The protection measures provided in the EPO Directive are measures that impose prohibitions or restrictions on the person causing danger. These include: Entering certain localities or areas where the protected person resides or visits. Contacting the protected person in any form. Approaching the protected person closer than a prescribed distance. Preconditions for issuing an EPO 1. The protected person must already benefit from national protection measures issued in the issuing State in accordance...