96/602/JHA: Joint Action of 14 October 1996 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on EU providing for a common framework for the initiatives of the Member States concerning liaison officers - Main contents

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96/602/JHA: Joint Action of 14 October 1996 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union providing for a common framework for the initiatives of the Member States concerning liaison officers

Official Journal L 268 , 19/10/1996 P. 0002 - 0004

JOINT ACTION of 14 October 1996 adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union providing for a common framework for the initiatives of the Member States concerning liaison officers (96/602/JHA)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and, in particular, Article K.3 (2) (b) thereof,

Having regard to the initiative of the Italian Republic,

Recalling the recommendations adopted by the Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs at their meeting in Luxembourg on 13 June 1991;

Recalling the provisions on liaison officers contained in the comprehensive action plan to combat drugs adopted by the Madrid European Council on 15 and 16 December 1995;

Whereas liaison officers, posted by Member States in view of their national strategic needs, play a role of paramount importance in cooperation in preventing and combating all forms of international crime, pursuant to Article K.1 (9) of the Treaty, including organized crime;

Taking into account the outcome of the surveys of the liaison officer networks of the Member States;

Assessing existing cooperation practices between Member States concerning liaison officers as positive;

Whereas it is particularly useful to develop concerted initiatives in this field, with a view to more rapid and effective cooperation between law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime;

Taking into account the need to develop cooperation between Member States and the States which have concluded Association Agreements with the Community and its Member States, and, in particular, the States taking part in the structured dialogue and other third States;

Taking into account the undertakings on the subject of liaison officers agreed on with the Andean Pact countries following the joint declaration of 25 September 1995;

Whereas this joint action does not prejudice the forms of cooperation existing between some Member States and third States;

Whereas it is possible for the financing of initiatives of common interest provided for by the Treaty and relating to liaison offices to be charged to the budget of the European Communities;

Having noted the need to define a helpful and effective framework for coordinating ongoing and future initiatives,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

Concertation regarding liaison officers

Member States which make use, or intend to make use, of liaison officers shall establish, by this joint action, a reference framework for the development of concerted initiatives in this field, with a view to making cooperation among themselves and with third States more rapid and effective in preventing and combating all forms of international crime pursuant to Article K.1 (9) of the Treaty, including organized crime.

Article 2

Tasks of liaison officers

• 1. 

  Liaison officers shall facilitate and expedite the collection and exchange of information through direct contacts with law enforcement agencies and other competent authorities in the host State.

• 2. 

  Liaison officers shall also contribute to the collection and exchange of information, particularly of a strategic nature, which may be used for the improved adjustment of measures to combat the forms of crime referred to in Article 1, including information providing a readier knowledge of the legal instruments and operational methods available in the States concerned.

• 3. 

  Liaison officers shall carry out their tasks within the framework of their responsibilities and in compliance with the provisions, including those on the protection of personal data, laid down in their national laws...

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