•The European arrest warrant replaces the extradition Criminal Procedure between states that have transposed the Framework Decision of the European Council of June 13, 2002. Ireland and France have transposed the Framework Decision in their legislation in 2003 and 2004 respectively.

•The two main features of the European Arrest Warrant - described as the cornerstone of judicial cooperation between the signatory states - are

-a substantial simplification of the application of the traditional conditions of extradition

-an imperative of speed

•The Irish authorities have 60 days after the arrest of the suspect to decide what action to give the European arrest warrant.