The Council of the European Union has published 12 annexes to the recast Directive on the European Investigation Order (EIO) and the European Remote Participation Order, dated 29 June 2026. The annexes provide mandatory forms and templates for judicial and law enforcement authorities across all EU Member States, expanding the standard EIO form to include new investigative measures and more detailed procedural information requirements.
The annexes, which accompany the Commission's proposal for a recast of Directive 2014/41/EU, include a revised standard EIO form (Annex AI) that must be used by issuing authorities when requesting investigative measures in another Member State. The form contains sections for the issuing and executing state, urgency, specific investigative measures, grounds for issuing, relation to earlier EIOs, identity of persons concerned, type of proceedings, and additional requirements for certain measures.
New investigative measures added to the form include cross-border surveillance, installation of technical devices for location, audio, and visual data collection, and violation of Union restrictive measures as a listed offence. The form now requires specifying the person's position in proceedings (suspect, accused, victim, witness, expert, or third party) and includes contact details fields. Hearing requests must include a list of questions to be asked.
The proposal is scheduled for discussion at a Council meeting on 8 July 2026. The recast directive aims to streamline cross-border criminal investigations by updating the EIO framework, which was originally established in 2014. The expanded forms reflect the growing complexity of cross-border crime and the need for more detailed information exchange between Member States.
Judicial authorities in EU Member States will face increased administrative burden due to the more detailed forms, but will benefit from clearer procedures for new investigative techniques. Law enforcement agencies will gain expanded tools for cross-border surveillance and data collection, potentially improving crime-fighting capabilities. Defence lawyers and suspects may face greater scrutiny as the forms require more detailed personal information and procedural status. The European Commission will oversee implementation, ensuring uniform application across Member States.
The proposal will be debated at the Council meeting on 8 July 2026, after which the European Parliament will be consulted. The recast directive, once adopted, will replace the existing Directive 2014/41/EU and must be transposed into national law by Member States within a specified period.