Council Framework Decision 2006/783/JHA of 6 October 2006 on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to confiscation orders

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 31(1)(a) and 34(2)(b) thereof,

Having regard to the initiative of the Kingdom of Denmark [OJ C 184, 2.8.2002, p. 8.],

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [Opinion delivered on 20 November 2002 (OJ C 25 E, 29.1.2004, p. 205).],

Whereas:

(1) The European Council, meeting in Tampere on 15 and 16 October 1999, stressed that the principle of mutual recognition should become the cornerstone of judicial cooperation in both civil and criminal matters within the Union.

(2) According to paragraph 51 of the conclusions of the Tampere European Council, money laundering is at the very heart of organised crime, and should be rooted out wherever it occurs; the European Council is determined to ensure that concrete steps are taken to trace, freeze, seize and confiscate the proceeds of crime. In that connection, in paragraph 55 of the conclusions, the European Council calls for the approximation of criminal law and procedures on money laundering (e.g. tracing, freezing and confiscating funds).