Global cooperation is key to ensuring safety and fighting the increasingly numerous international operating criminal networks. On 7 March, representatives from 15 Latin American countries visited Eurojust to experience first-hand how the Agency ensures that judicial authorities can work together swiftly and safely.
The visit to the Eurojust headquarters in The Hague is part of a mission from the Latin American Internal Security Committee to the European Union institutions (CLASI). The committee brings together policymakers from 12 Latin American countries to fight serious organised crime together. The committee regularly meets with EU ministers to enhance law enforcement cooperation and tackle internal security threats posed by global organised criminal networks.
The representatives, including ministers from Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama and Peru, were welcomed by Eurojust Vice-President, José de la Mata, who presented the unique position Eurojust has as a key player in global criminal justice cooperation. The Agency provides hands-on support to prosecutors in Europe and beyond during their cross-border investigations. Eurojust Vice-President, José de la Mata, commented: We are honoured to welcome the CLASI ministerial delegation, recognising the critical role Latin America plays in the fight against organised crime. A key focus of our cooperation is tackling drug trafficking, one of the most lucrative criminal activities that causes immense harm to societies in both Europe and Latin America. To address this challenge, our response must be effective and collaborative. This visit marks a key step towards even stronger cooperation in the future.
To fight the increasing threat of criminal activities globally, Eurojust has stepped up its cooperation with Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. In 2024, the Agency signed working arrangements with the six countries to make strategic cooperation between these authorities and Eurojust more effective. The working arrangements strengthen cooperation in crime areas that affect both the EU and Latin American countries, such as drug and arms trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime.
The visit of the ministers was organised by the international cooperation programme, EL PacCto, the EU programme aimed to strengthen EU and Latin American partnership in the field of justice and security.