NATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF CROSS-BORDER INSTRUMENTS TO PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND/OR PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITIES IN LAW AND PRACTICE 24 person really understands what they are getting into. Because the reality of the situation is that, even leaving aside people who have some kind of a disability, a large proportion of detainees, when they are interviewed, when things are explained to them, they do not understand their situation very well. They do not understand what awaits them, they do not understand the seriousness of the consequences of their signatures or consent given to certain procedures.“20 2.1.1. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATION (2013/ C 378/02) On 27th November 2013, the European Commission (EC) adopted a recommendation on procedural guarantees for vulnerable persons suspected or accused in criminal cases. The purpose of the recommendations is to encourage member states to strengthen the procedural rights of all suspects or accused persons who, due to their age, mental or physical health condition or other disability, cannot fully understand the criminal process or participate effectively in it.21 Quote from one of the semi-structured interviews. European Commission recommendation of 27 November 2013 on procedural safeguards for vulnerable persons suspected or accused in criminal proceedings (2013/C 378/02). Available at: https://bit.ly/48JeiN9. 20 21