The decision forms part of a wider package of measures adopted by EU justice ministers at their meeting in Luxembourg on Friday, aimed at strengthening the procedural rights of suspected or accused persons in criminal proceedings.
Ministers were discussing draft EU legislation on the matter tabled by the European Commission in July.
Under the new rules, persons suspected of having committed a crime on EU soil are guaranteed access to free interpretation and have the right to receive free translations of "essential procedural documents".
The same rights will be offered to persons subject to a European Arrest Warrant.
The European Parliament, NGOs and associations of lawyers, judges and prosecutors have been calling for EU legislation on procedural rights since the advent of the European Arrest Warrant in 2001.
Indeed, many observers, including lawyers, journalists, NGOs and justice ministry representatives, have also expressed concerns that the EU has adopted instruments whose emphasis is mainly repressive, without giving enough consideration to the rights of individuals.
Describing the development as "a great step forward for the European Union," Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot said the legislation will "enhance freedom of movement, assist in setting common [EU] standards," provide "some equilibrium for EU measures focusing on prosecution" and boost mutual recognition "by promoting trust between member states as regards their criminal justice systems".
For their part, justice ministers warned of the "complexity" of harmonising suspected or accused criminals’ procedural rights at EU level, welcoming the Swedish EU Presidency's decision "to address them in a step-by-step approach".
Ministers also called on the Council's working parties to draw up guidelines for implementing the new legislation "as a matter of priority," particularly to help facilitate best-practice exchange.
