The EIO has the goal to integrate the way in which a state can request assistance from another state in the form of criminal investigations.Directive 2014/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters Consequently, the EIO can be referred to as a "Mutual Recognition" instrument. Debbie Sayers, 'The European Investigation Order - Travelling without a "roadmap" [2011] Centre for European Policy Studies. The EIO may be issued in relation to four types of proceedings. The first is in relation to criminal proceedings by a judicial authority pertaining to a criminal offense under the national law of the state issuing the EIO. The second and third is with regards to proceedings brought by administrative authorities or judicial authorities for acts punishable under the national law of the state issuing the EIO where the infringement gives rise to proceedings in front of a court having jurisdiction in criminal matters. Lastly, an EIO can be issued in relation to the first three types of proceedings which relate to offences or infringements where a legal person can be held liable and punished in the issuing state.Directive 2014/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters, art 4 The EIO can serve as a less intrusive alternative for issuing a prosecution EAW. On the basis of an EAW, the defendant could be heard in the executing Member State, for instance by way of video conference, instead of surrendering them to the issuing Member States.
