VALLETTA, 19 September 2025 – Malta proudly hosted the official Signing Ceremony marking the opening for signatures of the Valletta Protocol, the third additional protocol to the Council of Europe’s 1959 Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

The ceremony was formally opened by Hon. Jonathan Attard, Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, who welcomed Ministers, dignitaries, and legal experts from across Europe to Valletta.

In his address, Minister Attard underscored the enduring significance of the 1959 Convention, describing it as a cornerstone of European judicial cooperation. He highlighted that the Valletta Protocol modernises and updates the Convention to meet today’s complex realities—particularly the transnational, digital and complex dimensions.

Also addressing the ceremony, Mr. Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, expressed appreciation to the 16 signatory states for their dedication to reinforcing Europe’s collective capacity to combat crime across borders.

The Protocol was signed by Belgium, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating a renewed resolve to advance judicial cooperation.

By modernising procedures, introducing new categories of requests, and embracing digital tools, this Protocol aims to make cooperation faster, more effective, and better suited to contemporary challenges—while fully safeguarding human rights.

In this context, Minister Attard called on all remaining Member States to join in signing the Protocol. “This is a clear message – Europe stands together to ensure justice knows no borders,” he concluded.