In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2019/1172 (2), the Agreement between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein on the application of certain provisions of Council Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, of Council Decision 2008/616/JHA on the implementation of Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, and the Annex thereto, and of Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA on accreditation of forensic service providers carrying out laboratory activities (‘the Agreement’) was signed on 27 June 2019, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2)
The improvement of law enforcement information exchange for the purpose of maintaining security in the Union cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States in isolation, due to the nature of international crime, which is not confined to the Union borders. The possibility for all the Member States and the Principality of Liechtenstein to have reciprocal access to national databases regarding DNA analysis files, dactyloscopic identification systems and vehicle registration data is of central importance in fostering cross-border law enforcement cooperation.
(3)
In accordance with Article 8(3) of the Agreement, Article 5(1) and (2) of the Agreement have been applied on a provisional basis since the date of signature of the Agreement.
(4)
Ireland is bound by Council Decision 2008/615/JHA (3), Council Decision 2008/616/JHA (4) and the Annex thereto, and Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA (5), and is therefore taking part in the adoption and application of this Decision.
(5)
In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
