Eurojust and Frontex sign Memorandum of Understanding

Source: European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit (Eurojust) i, published on Wednesday, December 18 2013.

​​Warsaw, 18 December 2013

Following the conclusion of successful negotiations commenced in 2011, Eurojust signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation with Frontex.

The signing ceremony took place today at Frontex headquarters in Warsaw. Representing Frontex were Mr Ilkka Laitinen, Executive Director, Mr Gil Arias, Deputy Executive Director, and Mr Duco van Heel, Anti-Trafficking Coordinator. Ms Michele Coninsx, President of Eurojust, was accompanied by Mr Marius Skowroski, National Member for Poland. Ms Coninsx was invited to Poland to meet with the Minister of Justice, HE Marek Biernacki.

The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eurojust and Frontex is to “define, encourage and improve cooperation” between Eurojust and Frontex in order to “support the fight against serious cross-border crime, such as smuggling and trafficking in human beings”. Both Eurojust and Frontex will establish a contact point to coordinate cooperation between the two organisations.

In accordance with Article 4 of the MoU, both organisations will exchange strategic and technical non-operational information to enhance coordination. Such information may include trends and challenges in fighting serious cross-border crime, and analysis of crimes and new criminal methodologies. Structured exchange of technical information and combined analysis may also be covered. Exchanges of expertise and best practice in areas of common interest are planned.

Joint training activities will be especially focused on improving cooperation in areas such as organised crime, smuggling and trafficking in human beings.

Eurojust has signed many MoUs and cooperation agreements with organisations and third States. For a full list, see Agreements concluded by Eurojust on the Eurojust website.

Mr Laitinen visited Eurojust in April 2010, met with National Members and the then President of Eurojust, and made a presentation on the activities of Frontex at a plenary meeting of the College, and discussed possible modes of cooperation.

Following the signing, Ms Coninsx said: “According to Article 26 of our legal framework, Eurojust shall establish and maintain cooperative relations with Frontex. The signing of this MoU is an important first step. Frontex is a valuable cooperation partner in the fight against cross-border crime. Security of the borders of the European Union is the primary mandate of Frontex, and Eurojust is also concerned about the possibilities for criminals to act with impunity across national borders. This MoU will allow us to achieve even greater synergies in areas of common interest.”

Frontex is the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union. It was established by Council Regulation in 2004.

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