Establishing the necessary framework for international cooperation in criminal matters – the case of Republic of N. Macedonia

The cooperation between the judiciary and the police is playing a key and important role in the fight against (organized) crime. In the last decade, crime is becoming more and more international. That is why the uninterrupted cooperation between the parties that enforce the law is becoming more crucial for successful fight against crime. Modern and fast modes of transport and communication encourage cross-border activities. It is not surprising that such infrastructural opportunities are used not only by people who act legally, but also by those who act against the law. For that reason, states have established or expand ways to combat crime, nationally and internationally. In the world of globalization, the need for co-operation between states and the judiciary is growing than ever before. Transfer of proceedings, extradition, transfer of convicted persons, recognition of judgments of foreign jurisdictions, freezing or seizure of assets and property, and co-operation between law enforcement agencies are just few of the instruments for international cooperation. In the last few years, the relevant legislative for international cooperation is criminal matters, for preventing corruption and conflict of interest, for the judiciary, protection of personal data, for asylum policy has been amendment or is in the process of crucial changes for the solely purpose to be updated to the EU legal frame. The purpose of this article is to give a preview of the cooperation in criminal matters as well to emphasize the updated changes and amendments as well as to address the practical challenges and shortcomings in the current legislative. Key words: mutual assistance, cooperation, crime, extradition, EU