Improved Eurojust Regulation Empowers EU Against Terrorism

Improved Eurojust Regulation Empowers EU Against Terrorism

(IN BRIEF) European Union (EU) judicial authorities are strengthening their efforts to combat terrorism by enhancing information sharing with Eurojust. An amendment to the Eurojust Regulation allows EU Member States to share a broader range of information on ongoing and completed terrorism cases, which will be integrated into the European Judicial Counter-Terrorism Register (CTR) managed by Eurojust. The goal is to identify links between terrorism cases and connections to other serious crimes. Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran emphasized the importance of close coordination and early information sharing in the fight against terrorism. This amendment also streamlines the procedures for Liaison Prosecutors from third countries working with Eurojust, enabling faster cooperation in combating organized crime worldwide.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 31-Oct-2023 — /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, welcomes the strengthened commitment of EU Member States to combat terrorism through increased information sharing. With the recent entry into force of an amendment to the Eurojust Regulation, judicial authorities across the European Union have gained an enhanced legal framework for sharing information related to terrorism cases. This vital data will be transmitted to the European Judicial Counter-Terrorism Register (CTR), which is managed by Eurojust. This collaborative effort aims to better identify connections between terrorism cases and their links to other serious crimes.

Eurojust President Mr. Ladislav Hamran emphasized the importance of this regulation, saying, The recent attacks in Belgium and France confirm that the threat of terrorism on European soil is still very much alive. Close coordination and early information sharing are crucial ingredients in the successful fight against this heinous crime, and this is precisely what we expect to achieve by reinforcing the Counter-Terrorism Register. I also warmly welcome the other amendments to our Regulation concerning the modernisation of our Case Management System and the role of Liaison Prosecutors, as they fully reflect our Agency’s priorities in the areas of digitalisation and global partnerships.

The CTR, initiated in September 2019, is designed to establish connections between suspects, terrorist networks, and ongoing and past investigations across the EU. By removing the provisions on sharing information with Eurojust from the Council Decision and including them in the amended Eurojust Regulation, national authorities can now transmit information to Eurojust as soon as a case is referred to judicial authorities. This is pivotal in strengthening terrorism investigations, preventing double prosecution of suspects, and adhering to the ne bis in idem principle.

While respecting data ownership and confidentiality, enhanced information sharing empowers Eurojust to efficiently coordinate and support national authorities and bring terrorists to justice.

To facilitate improved information sharing, Eurojust is implementing a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure suitable for the 21st century. A new Case Management System will integrate the functionalities of the CTR and connect with national authorities via secure communication channels, aligning with the European Commission’s efforts to modernize EU justice systems.

The need for the CTR became apparent after the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis. At that time, Eurojust assisted national authorities in establishing links between alleged suspects in several EU countries. Since then, 915 terrorism cases have been registered with the agency.

Furthermore, the amendment to the Eurojust Regulation enhances the agency’s international dimension by legally recognizing Liaison Prosecutors* from third countries as essential cooperation partners. This recognition, outlined in Eurojust’s founding instrument, streamlines the procedure for Liaison Prosecutors to open cases, similar to Eurojust’s National Desks. This change accelerates cooperation between Liaison Prosecutors and EU national authorities, bolstering the global fight against major organized crime.

*Currently, Liaison Prosecutors from the following countries are based at Eurojust: Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States

Media contact:

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

SOURCE: EUROJUST