Opting in or opting out? : The EU’s variable geometry in the area of freedom, security and justice
The EU’s provisions on cooperation in criminal matters have long allowed for greater flexibility than in other (less sensitive) policy areas. Despite their formal integration into the realm of supranational law under the Lisbon Treaty, they remain subject to some intergovernmental features which are being preserved from the previous pillar structure pre-Lisbon. In particular, this includes opt-out
