Approximation of criminal sanctions in the European Union: A wild goose chase?

The era when criminal law was solely a matter of national legislation is long gone. In the European Union, approximation substantive norms and procedural rights has not escaped attention legislator. Inevitably, move towards supranational affected field sentencing sanctions. This paper seeks to discuss changes that development EU brings on sentencing. focus lies sanctions within EU, in an attempt understand scope added value EU’s approach field. First, legal basis article 83 TFEU presented analyzed, order define limits Union’s competence Subsequently, legislator adopting minimum rules unravelled, relationship between functional mutual recognition discussed. Finally, this concludes with some critical reflections upon eye future Europe’s Area Freedom, Security Justice (AFSJ).