The Additional Protocol is designed to extend to the field of criminal law and procedure the system of international exchange of information established by the Convention (ETS No. 62).

Parties undertake to supply one another with information on their substantive and procedural law and judicial organisation in the criminal field, including prosecuting authorities, as well as on the law concerning the enforcement of penal measures. This undertaking applies to all proceedings in respect of offences the prosecution of which, at the time of the request for information, falls within the jurisdiction of the judicial authorities of the requesting Party.

The Protocol aims at eliminating economic obstacles to legal proceedings (in the field of legal aid and advice in civil and commercial matters), and to permit persons in an economically weak position more easily to exercise their rights.