The Conference of Ministers for Justice of the Council of Europe concluded in Valletta with the adoption of the Valletta Protocol.
The Political Declaration was unanimously endorsed by all 46 member states, the Maltese government said.
The Conference of Ministers for Justice of the Council of Europe, held under the Maltese Presidency, brought together ministers, dignitaries, and legal experts from across Europe to strengthen judicial cooperation and reinforce collective efforts to counter transnational crime, it said.
"The Conference marked a historic milestone with the signing of the Valletta Protocol to the 1959 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters - a key step in adapting the Convention to the realities of today's rapidly evolving criminal landscape."
Opening discussions centred on modernising judicial cooperation through digital means.
Ministers and experts highlighted the crucial role of digital tools in facilitating cross-border legal assistance and responding to the challenges of organised crime. Contributions from Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights, and Stefano Filletti, Head of Malta's delegation to the Council of Europe's Committee on Crime Problems, underlined the importance of ensuring that digitalisation remains firmly rooted in fundamental rights.
Maltese Justice Minister Jonathan Attard emphasised: "Digital tools are no longer optional, they are essential. If we embrace technology with common standards and shared trust, justice will remain relevant in the digital age."
The second session examined the next steps in international cooperation in criminal procedure. Speakers included Lorenzo Salazar, Vice-Chair of the Council of Europe Committee on Crime Problems; Adil Abilov, Chair of the Committee of Experts on Cooperation in Criminal Matters; and James Smith, Head of Extradition Policy and Judicial Cooperation Agreements at the UK Home Office.
"Discussions focused on how the Valletta Protocol closes existing gaps in the 1959 Convention and provides practical tools for prosecutors, law enforcement, and the judiciary," the government said.
Minister Attard stressed: "The Protocol is not just a legal milestone - it is a practical tool. Our challenge now is to transform its provisions into effective cooperation on the ground."
The final working session addressed eliminating safe havens for transnational criminality. Ministers shared good practices and discussed obstacles faced by national authorities in tackling organised crime. Minister Attard remarked: "When national authorities work in synergy, we can effectively tackle organised crime. When we work in silos, we do criminals a favour."
In his closing address, Minister Attard hailed the Valletta Protocol and the adoption of the Political Declaration as a clear expression of collective will: "This Political Declaration, which was unanimously endorsed by all 46 member states, is not just a statement of intent. It is a political commitment, made at the highest level, that will guide the work of our institutions, our practitioners, and our cooperation in the years to come." He reaffirmed Malta's commitment to act as a bridge-builder in the Council of Europe, noting that "despite our size, Malta is a strong advocate for justice, human rights, and the rule of law."
The Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation, modernise justice through technology, and ensure that no safe havens remain for transnational crime, the government said.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector Johan Galea, and the Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger also actively collaborated and participated in the conference.