Warsaw, 18 December 2013 — Frontex and Eurojust signed a Memorandum of Understanding today at Frontex’s Warsaw HQ. Executive Director Ilkka Laitinen represented the Agency in a signing ceremony with Michèle Coninsx, the President of Eurojust. The Memorandum aims to enhance cooperation between the two agencies focusing on the fight against serious cross-border crime such as trafficking in human beings and smuggling.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the cooperation between the two Agencies will be enhanced by exchange information on trends and challenges related to serious cross- border crime. Development of joint training courses to encourage cooperation in the fight against organised crime and sharing best practices in areas of common interest is also envisaged.
“Addressing serious crimes such as trafficking in human beings and smuggling in a coordinated manner is a priority in the EU,” said Frontex Executive Director Ilkka Laitinen. “Frontex and Eurojust have already worked together on programmes that help border guards identify potential victims of trafficking in human beings.”
Combating trafficking in human beings was also the subject of a Joint Statement signed by all EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, including Eurojust and Frontex, in 2011. The Memorandum of Understanding signed today is the next step in that process.