Europe is secure when every part of the chain works together across borders. Eurojust supports judicial authorities to collaborate and fight organised crime together. On 18 March, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, learned about Eurojust’s unique role in the criminal justice system during his visit to the Agency’s headquarters.
During the visit, Eurojust President Michael Schmid and Commissioner Brunner discussed the threat of organised crime to European citizens. As organised crime becomes more professional and more global, authorities need to keep up and work together. Eurojust provides hands-on support to prosecutors to collaborate on cross-border investigations. In 2024, nearly 13 000 criminal investigations received support from Eurojust, leading to the freezing of more than EUR 1 billion in assets and over 1 000 arrests.
Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, commented following his visit: Without judiciary follow up, police work cannot be effective in the long-term. This is something we will address in the Internal Security Strategy I will present soon.
Besides day-to-day support to criminal investigations, Eurojust also ensures that prosecutors and judges work together strategically on common threats and challenges. Mr Schmid presented two Eurojust networks, the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) and the European Judicial Cybercrime Network (EJCN). These networks ensure that specialised prosecutors connect, exchange expertise and cooperate.
After the visit Eurojust President, Michael Schmid, said: As we prepare for the new EU Internal Security Strategy, I am delighted to highlight together with Commissioner Brunner the judicial dimension of cross-border security cooperation, alongside the vital work of police forces. It is crucial to not only temporarily disrupt the work of organised crime networks, but to also ensure that criminals are brought to justice. In 2024 alone, Eurojust supported nearly 13 000 ongoing investigations across Europe. I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the path forward with Commissioner Brunner and welcome his leadership in strengthening the EU’s internal security.
The visit of Commissioner Brunner concluded with a discussion on criminal justice collaboration outside of the European Union. As criminal networks create stronger ties globally, prosecutors need to be able to work quickly and efficiently and without hurdles with their colleagues around the globe. Eurojust is building a strong network of partners around the world. A network of over 70 Contact Points and a growing number of Liaison Prosecutors stationed in The Hague ensure that cross-border investigations happen easily and with trust between prosecutors.