This paper raises the question as to whether a theory of justice exists in EU law. The focus is on justice as a system. The assumption is that the independence of institutional actors involved in the administration of criminal justice (mainly judges and prosecutors) vis-à-vis each other, and other State powers, is key to that system achieving justice as a value. Against the benchmark of judicial and prosecutorial independence developed in European law, the paper assesses the role for independence in investigative, prosecutorial and adjudicating functions as it emerges from the current state of EU criminal law. The conclusions reveal that the EU's idea of justice remains underdeveloped, and that there is a need for systemic coherence to better protect the rule of law and enhance the legitimacy of EU criminal law.

中文翻译：

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正义理论？通过独立的综合方法确保欧盟刑法的规范基础

本文提出了欧盟法律中是否存在正义理论的问题。重点是作为一个系统的司法。假定参与刑事司法的机构行为者（主要是法官和检察官）相对于彼此和其他国家权力的独立性是该系统实现正义价值的关键。以欧洲法律制定的司法和检察独立性为基准，本文评估了调查、检察和审判职能独立性在欧盟刑法现状中的作用。结论表明，欧盟的正义理念仍然不发达，需要系统的一致性以更好地保护法治并提高欧盟刑法的合法性。