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Today, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, concluded a working arrangement with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL). The document was signed during a virtual ceremony by Frontex’s Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri and CEPOL’s Executive Director Dr. h. c. Detlef Schröder and attended by the Deputy Director General of DG HOME, Olivier Onidi.

The purpose of the working arrangement is to renew the framework of cooperation between both agencies, to contribute to further harmonisation of the law enforcement training and support the development of a common EU law enforcement culture.

“CEPOL is an important partner for Frontex. By working together and training law enforcement officers we can better protect Europe’s borders and Europe’s security,” said Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri.

“I am looking forward to continuing our cooperation,” he added.

Frontex and CEPOL have been working together since 2009, when the first working agreement was signed. Frontex participates and contributes to activities coordinated by CEPOL focused on cross border crime. The agencies consult each other on the most relevant strategic programmes and have a joint exchange programme in place for border and coast guard experts.

“CEPOL and FRONTEX have worked on a longstanding and solid basis for over a decade. I am pleased we keep widening the scope of that collaboration to contribute to the continuous improvement of cross-border law enforcement training in Europe. This is a great example of how European agencies in the field of justice and home affairs can mutually support each other and work in synergy to increase their impact on law enforcement communities of EU Member States,” said CEPOL’s Executive Director Dr. h. c. Detlef Schröder

On the operational level, Frontex and CEPOL cooperate in the framework of the EU Policy Cycle/EMPACT, a four-year plan for the fight against serious and organised crime that brings together police and law enforcement authorities of EU Member States, European agencies and international organisations to jointly strengthen Europe’s borders and internal security.