An arrest warrant, valid throughout the European Union, that requires the member state receiving the warrant to arrest and transfer a suspect or sentenced person to the member state that has issued the warrant. so that the person can be put on trial or complete a prison sentence. The EAW applies is intended for people who are due to stand trial, be sentenced or serve their sentence and applies only to crimes where the maximum penalty is at least 12 months in prison.
See also 'Extradition' and 'Europol'.
