Judicial cooperation: Strengthening Eurojust’s cooperation with third countries on international crime

Yesterday, the Council approved of the Commission’s proposal to strengthen the cooperation of the European Union’s Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) with non-EU countries. The aim of the Commission is to ensure more effective transnational judicial cooperation. The negotiating mandates approved of by the Council will allow the Commission to start negotiations on the exchange of information with thirteen countries: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “We have to strengthen Eurojust’s role both inside and outside the EU. Criminals don’t stop at European borders, they act globally. With an effective cooperation between EU countries and partner countries, we can catch more criminals and make the world safer.” One important aspect of the negotiations will be adequate safeguards regarding the protection of personal data, privacy and fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. The Commission recommended the Council authorise the opening of negotiations for these agreements on 19 November 2020.