This book presents a comprehensive analysis of personal participation in criminal proceedings and in absentia trials. Going beyond the accused-centred perspective of default proceedings, it not only examines the consequences of absence in various types of criminal proceedings, but also the fair trial safeguards allowing personal contributions during trials, as well as in pre-trial inquiries, higher instances and transborder procedures. By pursuing an interdisciplinary approach and employing comparative-law methodologies, the book presents a cross-section of twelve European criminal justice systems with regard to the requirements set forth by constitutional, international and EU law.