What Role should the EU and Member States play on Death Penalty?

Currently, 48 European nationals are facing capital punishment around the world. Worldwide 43 countries retain the death penalty. Juvenile offenders or persons mentally challenged can in some countries face the death penalty.

The EU is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances and considers that abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. The full abolition of the death penalty is the main objective of the EU Guidelines on Death Penalty reviewed in 2008. But how efficient has the EU been in achieving this objective? And how could this role be enhanced?