The term "EAW" stands for "European Arrest Warrant." It is a legal framework established by the European Union to facilitate the extradition of individuals between member states. The EAW allows law enforcement authorities to arrest and transfer suspects or convicted individuals without the need for extradition proceedings, streamlining the process. Introduced in 2004, the EAW aims to enhance cooperation in criminal matters across the EU. It applies to serious crimes and is designed to ensure that justice is served efficiently, promoting the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions among EU member countries.