Visit to Eurojust

The minister received an in-depth briefing on Eurojust’s role and responsibilities within Europe. 

In today’s world, where organized crime increasingly operates across borders, international cooperation is essential. Since the establishment of the European Union, criminal networks have become more sophisticated, underlining the importance of an effective body for judicial collaboration. Eurojust brings together the legal systems of the EU member states when a criminal case involves more than one country. 

The collaboration between public prosecutors meeting in The Hague enables better coordination of joint investigations and judicial actions. Eurojust, the EU's center for judicial cooperation, provides practical assistance to judges and prosecutors collaborating in the battle against cross-border crime.

Eurojust assists EU member states in combating serious cross-border crime, including organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and fraud.

Its main tasks include:

• Coordination: Helping judicial authorities from different countries work together on complex cases.
• Support: Providing legal and operational assistance in investigations and prosecutions involving multiple jurisdictions.
• Information exchange: Facilitating the secure and efficient sharing of information among competent authorities.
• Strengthening judicial action: Advising and contributing to joint strategies to combat crime.
• Meeting and coordination center: Organizing sessions to align and coordinate cross-border cases.

Minister Dowers was impressed not only by Eurojust’s operations but also by the dedication of its staff. He spoke with an Aruban professional working at Eurojust, as well as with former Attorney General Alexander van Dam, who has served as the Dutch Member of Eurojust since January 2022.