Mutual (Dis-)trust in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice?

Mutual trust constitutes the foundation of the principle of mutual recognition, which in turn embodies a cornerstone of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ). This contribution explores the development of the relationship between trust and distrust in two mutual recognition regimes of the AFSJ. It bases on the premise that trust and distrust are inextricably linked, and that their relationship should not be perceived as one of mutual exclusivity or contradiction. The analysis addresses exceptions to mutual recognition, which are often perceived as manifestations of distrust, and examines their potential impact on mutual trust. It is submitted that exceptions to mutual recognition are necessary requirements for building and maintaining trust in the AFSJ and that they constitute an adaptation of the principle of mutual recognition to the particularities of the AFSJ. Next to the horizontal dimension of trust (i.e., trust among Member States) the analysis adds a new perspective by highlighting the importance of the vertical dimension of trust.