Q & A with Frank-Luke M. ATTARD CAMILLERI

Current Occupation and Country of Work
I currently serve as a Senior Legal Officer at the Office of the Prime Minister in Malta, specifically working within the Internal Audit and Investigations Department. My responsibilities include legal analysis and oversight in financial and administrative investigations, including cases with a European or international dimension.

How do you use European law in your work?
European law is increasingly relevant to my work, particularly in the context of internal investigations. Within my department, I routinely engage with EU legal instruments and frameworks, especially where allegations of fraud, misuse of EU funds or procurement irregularities may have a transnational aspect. The course expanded my understanding of important mechanisms such as the European Arrest Warrant, the European Investigation Order and the recently adopted European Production and Preservation Orders for e-evidence. These instruments will support our efforts in streamlining cooperation with EU partners and ensuring legal compliance when handling cross-border matters.

How have you benefited from the scholarship and the knowledge gained?
The scholarship enabled me to participate in this highly valuable training opportunity. Beyond gaining technical knowledge, I had the chance to interact with a network of experienced professionals from across the EU. The insights gained, particularly on topics such as digitalisation in criminal justice, the role of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and mutual recognition of judicial decisions, will enhance both the effectiveness and legality of the investigations we conduct. I now feel better equipped to support our department in applying EU law accurately and in alignment with best practices.

What impressed you most about the event?
The session on Regulation (EU) 2023/1543 and the development of digital tools like e-CODEX was particularly impressive. The practical explanation of how digital platforms are revolutionising the collection and admissibility of cross-border electronic evidence gave a forward-looking perspective on EU criminal justice. Moreover, the overall structure of the course, the calibre of the speakers, including experts from Eurojust, Europol and leading academic institutions, and the interactive format made the experience engaging and intellectually stimulating. Additionally, I think that the diversity of topics, from procedural safeguards to mutual recognition instruments and victims’ rights, provided a well-rounded and practical overview of European criminal law.

Overall, participating in this summer course was a truly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. It deepened my understanding of European criminal justice mechanisms and broadened my perspective on transnational legal cooperation. I would highly recommend it to any legal professional working in or alongside EU frameworks.