What is Eurojust and what is its purpose?

The European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) is an agency of the European Union (EU) which deals with judicial cooperation and coordination of investigations in serious cross-border criminal matters among agencies of the EU member states. Eurojust’s main aim is to help make Europe a safer place.

This article is the first of a series in which we discuss Eurojust, its objectives and the live investigations currently underway. In this first article, we provide an overview of Eurojust and what it does.

How does Eurojust work on improving the safety of the EU?

Seated in The Hague, Eurojust was set up in 2002 to reinforce the fight against serious crime by facilitating cooperation between EU member states and non-EU states in investigating and prosecuting transnational crime and terrorism.

With a makeup of judges, prosecutors and other judicial professionals, Eurojust hosts ‘coordination meetings’ and provides support to prosecutors and judges from across the EU and beyond. This includes providing its expertise and supporting the joint investigation teams logistically and financially.

More specifically, Eurojust:

1. coordinates (parallel) investigations and prosecutions involving at least 2 countries;
2. sets up joint investigation teams (JITs);
3. helps to resolve conflicts of jurisdiction;
4. plans joint action days at one of its coordination centres; and
5. maintains a global network of Liaison Prosecutors and Contact Points, offering access to jurisdictions around the world.

What are some of the examples of the types of crimes that Eurojust targets?

Eurojust combats different types of crimes, including (but not limited to):

1. Money laundering;
2. Swindling and fraud;
3. Cybercrime;
4. Drug trafficking;
5. Organised crime;
6. Terrorism; and
7. Migrant smuggling.

Often the cases that are brought to Eurojust involve more than one type of crime, and thus the above categories tend to overlap.

What are some of the services that Eurojust offers specifically?

Eurojust can facilitate the swift execution of a European Arrest Warrant (EAW), a freezing order (FO) or the collection of evidence using a European Investigation Order (EIO).

Do Eurojust’s investigations only include EU member states?

No; cases may involve two or more EU member states or a member state and a non-EU state. Cases may also involve crimes committed in a single member state that have repercussions beyond its borders.

How long do Eurojust’s investigations last?

Although Eurojust acts immediately to locate and apprehend suspects, its investigations may run for months or years, as they require meticulous planning, coordination and discussion – which Eurojust hosts.

How Gherson can help

Gherson has over 30 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition matters. Our expertise also extends to assisting with EAWs and other crime-related matters, including cross-border concerns.

If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this article or about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, or send us an e-mail. Don’t forget to follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2024

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