European Commissioner McGrath Strengthens Ties with Eurojust to Tackle Cross-Border Crime and Support Justice in Ukraine

European Commissioner McGrath Strengthens Ties with Eurojust to Tackle Cross-Border Crime and Support Justice in Ukraine

(IN BRIEF) European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath visited Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague on January 16 to strengthen collaboration with the Agency in its efforts to combat cross-border crime. During his visit, McGrath was briefed by Eurojust President Michael Schmid and Vice-Presidents Margarita Šniutytė-Daugėlienė and José de la Mata Amaya on how Eurojust supports international investigations. The Agency’s efforts, including facilitating information exchange and offering prosecutorial assistance, have led to over EUR 1 billion in asset seizures and more than 1,000 arrests in 2024. The Commissioner highlighted Eurojust’s key role in ensuring justice across borders, particularly in areas such as drug crime, migrant smuggling, and the accountability for Russian crimes against Ukraine. The visit also focused on Eurojust’s strong international partnerships, which extend beyond the EU through a network of Contact Points and Liaison Prosecutors.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 16-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, recently visited Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague to kick off his term, marking an important milestone in his collaboration with the Agency. On January 16, Commissioner McGrath was greeted by Eurojust President Michael Schmid, alongside Vice-Presidents Margarita Šniutytė-Daugėlienė and José de la Mata Amaya. The meeting showcased Eurojust’s vital role in supporting authorities across Europe and internationally with complex, cross-border criminal investigations.

During the visit, President Schmid outlined Eurojust’s essential contributions to international judicial cooperation. He highlighted how the Agency assists prosecutors in their efforts by facilitating the exchange of information, devising prosecutorial strategies, and using judicial cooperation tools. These measures help ensure that complex international cases are handled more effectively. In 2024 alone, Eurojust supported more than 12,000 criminal investigations, leading to the seizure and freezing of assets worth over EUR 1 billion and over 1,000 arrests.

Reflecting on his visit, Commissioner McGrath praised Eurojust for its critical role in strengthening European justice, stating, “Eurojust exemplifies the unity and resolve required to fight transnational crime. In these times of emerging threats, our collaboration ensures justice transcends borders, contributing to safer communities for all Europeans. It was a pleasure to visit Eurojust today and reconnect with President Schmid. Together, we will work toward a safer and more secure future.”

As part of its global reach, Eurojust has cultivated strong relationships with partners outside the EU. Commissioner McGrath was briefed on the Agency’s extensive network of Contact Points, which grants access to over 70 jurisdictions. This network, along with the 12 Liaison Prosecutors stationed at Eurojust, facilitates international cooperation in criminal investigations, enabling unrestricted data exchange and collaborative casework across borders.

In a statement following the visit, Eurojust President Michael Schmid expressed his honor in welcoming Commissioner McGrath, acknowledging the critical challenges facing the European Commission. He emphasized Eurojust’s role in addressing issues such as drug-related organized crime, migrant smuggling, and accountability for war crimes in Ukraine. “With the Commissioner’s continued support, we are committed to delivering effective solutions and strengthening our cooperation to keep Europe safe,” Schmid said.

Eurojust’s wide-ranging activities align with the European Commission’s top priorities, with networks such as the Genocide Network and the European Judicial Cybercrime Network (EJCN) playing key roles in connecting specialized prosecutors across borders. The recently established European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) takes a proactive stance, addressing criminal networks’ adaptability and tackling issues like drug trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Commissioner McGrath’s visit concluded with a focus on Eurojust’s efforts in supporting accountability for Russian crimes in Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Eurojust has been instrumental in assisting investigations, preserving and analyzing evidence, and offering practical guidance. The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) has been vital in bolstering national investigations in Ukraine and surrounding countries. Furthermore, the Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) has accumulated over 3,000 evidence files from 16 countries, reinforcing the global commitment to justice.

Media Contact:

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

SOURCE: EUROJUST