Eurojust Joins Forces with Belgium’s EU Presidency to Combat Drug Trafficking

Eurojust Joins Forces with Belgium’s EU Presidency to Combat Drug Trafficking

(IN BRIEF) Belgium, holding the EU Council Presidency, is prioritizing efforts to combat organized drug-related crime, focusing on logistic hubs and major ports. Eurojust, the EU’s criminal justice cooperation agency, will collaborate with third countries to address cross-border drug trafficking. Additionally, Belgium aims to promote small-scale detention as an alternative to prison for certain offenders and emphasize victims’ rights during judicial proceedings. Pending legal initiatives regarding human trafficking, violence against women, and the transfer of proceedings are also on the agenda. An art exhibition by Belgian sculptor Damien Moreau will be held to commemorate the Presidency.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 3-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Eurojust, an agency of the European Union dealing with judicial co-operation in criminal matters among agencies of the member states, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, announces that as the current holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Belgium is placing a strong emphasis on addressing serious organized drug-related crime and advancing judicial collaboration. Key priorities during the Belgian Presidency include the fight against drug trafficking through logistic hubs, with a particular focus on major ports, as well as advocating for the rights of victims and promoting small-scale detention as an alternative to incarceration for certain offenders.

Ms. Hilde Vandevoorde, National Member for Belgium at Eurojust, highlighted the significance of these priorities:  ‘The Belgian Presidency has put forward different priorities that are of direct importance in the daily work of the judicial practitioners. Tackling large-scale drug-related organised crime groups using logistic hubs and, more specifically, large ports is the top priority. As this crime type always has a major cross-border aspect, the role of Eurojust is essential in helping EU Member States and third countries to cooperate.’

Belgium currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU until June 30, 2024. During this period, Eurojust will collaborate closely with judicial partners in third countries, particularly those facing substantial illicit drug exports. Eurojust can leverage its extensive network of over 70 Contact Points worldwide and its associations with Latin American counterparts, such as the Association of Ibero-American Public Prosecutors (AIAMP) and the Ibero-American Network of International Legal Cooperation (IberRED). Furthermore, negotiations by the European Commission with Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia for international agreements will enhance collaborative efforts through Eurojust.

Belgium’s Presidency will also underscore the importance of small-scale detention as an alternative to traditional prisons. Approximately 700 small-scale detention spaces will be created across Belgium for offenders sentenced to up to three years, with specialized reintegration programs designed for groups of 20 to 60 inmates per center. These efforts aim to reduce recidivism and promote offender rehabilitation.

Additionally, the Belgian Presidency will highlight victims’ rights, recognizing their pivotal role in the judicial process. A dedicated symposium at Eurojust in April 2024 will focus on the international dimension of victims’ rights, further advancing this crucial aspect of justice.

With an estimated 15% of European citizens falling victim to crime annually, Eurojust remains committed to safeguarding their interests during judicial proceedings. For more information on Eurojust and victims’ rights, please consult the special webpage.

The Belgian Presidency will also prioritize pending legal initiatives, including those related to human trafficking, violence against women, and the transfer of proceedings, currently under discussion with the European Parliament.

In line with tradition, an art exhibition featuring the work of Belgian sculptor Damien Moreau will be organized at Eurojust at the end of January 2024. The exhibition will showcase a significant collection of his sculptures, some of which have been specifically created to commemorate the Belgian Presidency.

Media contact:

Eurojust Press Team
Phone: + 31 70 412 55 00
media@eurojust.europa.eu

SOURCE: EUROJUST