Source: Eurojust
President Schmid showed the European Commissioner how Eurojust provides hands-on support to prosecutors by promoting the exchange of information, developing prosecutorial strategies, facilitating the use of judicial cooperation tools, and implementing joint actions. This makes international judicial cooperation in complex cases easier and more efficient. In 2024, Eurojust supported over 12 000 criminal investigations, leading to the seizure and freezing of over EUR 1 billion and over 1 000 arrests.
Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, commented following his visit: ‘Eurojust embodies the spirit of unity and determination needed to combat transnational crime and uphold justice across borders. As we face evolving threats, our collaboration ensures that justice knows no boundaries, fostering safer societies for all Europeans. I am delighted to have visited Eurojust today and to have met again with President Schmid. Together, we can build a safer and more secure future.’
As criminal justice does not stop at the borders of the European Union, Eurojust has established strong ties with partners around the world. Commissioner McGrath learned of Eurojust’s network of Contact Points providing access to over 70 jurisdictions, the strategic Working Arrangements for cooperation, and the 12 Liaison Prosecutors stationed at the Agency working side by side with their colleagues from the Member States. Thanks to this set up, prosecutors can exchange information globally and work on criminal cases without restrictions.
After the visit Eurojust President, Michael Schmid, said: ‘It was a great honour to welcome Commissioner McGrath to Eurojust today, as we embark on a new European Commission term filled with major challenges that demand a united approach. From combating the rise of drug-related organised crime to tackling migrant smuggling and ensuring accountability for war crimes in Ukraine, Eurojust is committed to delivering pragmatic and impactful solutions for prosecutors in the Member States. With the Commissioner’s invaluable support, I look forward to strengthening our cooperation and ensuring that Eurojust remains a trusted partner in making Europe safer for all its citizens.‘
Eurojust’s broad portfolio of activities contributes to key priorities of the European Commission. Networks such as the Genocide Network and the European Judicial Cybercrime Network (EJCN) ensure that specialised prosecutors connect, exchange expertise and work together in cross-border investigations. The recently launched European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN) takes a strategic approach that goes beyond investigative collaboration to combat issues such as organised crime, drug trafficking and migrant smuggling . The EJOCN will address the poly-criminal nature of criminal networks and their agility in adapting to changes in the criminal environment.
Commissioner McGrath’s visit concluded with a presentation on Eurojust’s work to support accountability for Russian crimes against Ukraine. Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Eurojust has been working closely with partners, including the European Commission, to support investigations, collect, preserve and analyse evidence, and provide practical guidance. The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) has been instrumental in strengthening the national investigations in Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The Core International Crimes Evidence Database (CICED) has so far collected over 3 000 evidence files from 16 countries.