The EU and Brazil have signed a crucial agreement to enhance collaboration against organized crime and terrorism. This partnership, endorsed by key officials, strengthens information exchange and operational cooperation, building on Brazil’s established role since 2017. Pending European Parliament’s approval, the accord aims to disrupt criminal networks and improve security across borders.
On a pivotal day, the European Union (EU) and Brazil formalized an agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration against organized crime and terrorism. The signing event featured prominent figures such as Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and Brazilian Minister of Justice and Public Security Ricardo Lewandowski, with Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle present. This agreement is anticipated to significantly strengthen their joint efforts, thereby improving security for both regions.
Since 2017, Brazil has been a vital partner for Europol, demonstrating considerable operational engagement across diverse criminal activities, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and human trafficking. This new accord is expected to further fortify law enforcement synergies, facilitating the disruption of criminal networks more effectively and combating transnational crime.
Brazil proudly stands as the inaugural country from Latin America to enter such an accord with the EU. The agreement is now pending the European Parliament’s assent before being fully implemented. Europol pledges to assist in executing this agreement, enhancing operational cooperation in the ongoing struggle against serious organized crime.
Commissioner Brunner emphasized the importance of international cooperation in bolstering internal security within the EU and its partnerships. He stated that this agreement would enhance information sharing with Brazil, thereby bolstering Europol’s support for Member States’ criminal investigations across borders.
Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s Executive Director, remarked on the significance of this agreement as a new phase in the established partnership with Brazil. She reaffirmed Europol’s commitment to collaborating closely with Brazilian authorities to address critical security challenges.
The cooperation with non-EU nations is a critical element of Europol’s strategy for combating serious organized crime. By fortifying ties with trusted international allies, Europol strengthens the capabilities of EU law enforcement to counter transnational threats. Partnerships like the one with Brazil fortify Europol’s global network, fostering a more unified approach against cross-border criminal enterprises.
Recent operations involving Brazil illustrate the efficacy of this collaboration, including significant drug busts where major cartels were dismantled. Notable instances include the arrest of a top drug trafficker and substantial cocaine seizures in various operations.
The recent agreement between the European Union and Brazil significantly formalizes and enhances collaboration against organized crime and terrorism. This partnership promises to improve information sharing and operational cooperation, building on Brazil’s pivotal role since 2017. With support from Europol, the agreement aims to disrupt criminal networks and bolster transnational crime-fighting efforts, showcasing the importance of international partnerships in enhancing security.
Original Source: www.europol.europa.eu
