The EU and Brazil have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in combating organized crime and terrorism, facilitating the exchange of operational information. This landmark deal strengthens the partnership between Europol and Brazilian law enforcement. Brazil is the first Latin American nation to sign such an agreement with the EU, which is pending approval from the European Parliament before implementation.
The European Union (EU) and Brazil have formalized their collaboration by signing an agreement that enhances their partnership involving Europol and Brazilian law enforcement agencies. This agreement facilitates the sharing of key operational information, thereby amplifying joint efforts against serious organized crime and terrorism, thus improving security across the Atlantic.
Signed by Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, in the presence of Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, this milestone reinforces Brazil’s importance as a strategic partner for Europol since 2017. The operational cooperation has already made significant strides in combatting various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and human trafficking.
As the first Latin American country to enter such a partnership with the EU, this agreement still awaits the European Parliament’s consent before it can be fully implemented. Europol expresses its readiness to support the agreement’s execution, which would further enhance operational collaboration with Brazil in addressing serious organized crime.
Commissioner Magnus Brunner remarked that international cooperation is fundamental for bolstering the EU’s internal security, emphasizing how this agreement will improve information exchanges with Brazil, ultimately aiding member states in their cross-border criminal investigations. Similarly, Catherine De Bolle highlighted that the agreement represents a new stage in their collaboration, enhancing their collective capability to address significant security threats.
Europol’s strategy includes strong cooperation with non-EU countries, which is vital for combatting organized crime. By fostering operational relationships with trusted global partners, Europol heightens the ability of EU law enforcement to respond effectively to transnational threats, thus reinforcing its global network and enabling more coordinated actions against cross-border criminal activities.
Recent joint operations with Brazil exemplify this partnership, such as the collapse of cocaine cartels and significant drug seizures, depicting the successful outcomes of enhanced collaboration in tackling serious criminal enterprises.
The recent agreement between the European Union and Brazil is a significant step towards enhancing international cooperation against organized crime and terrorism. It not only strengthens the operational ties between Europol and Brazilian law enforcement but also highlights Brazil’s pivotal role as a key partner in combating transnational threats. This landmark agreement underscores the importance of collective efforts in fostering security and responding effectively to serious organized crime.
Original Source: www.europol.europa.eu
