The EU and Brazil have signed a pivotal agreement to enhance cooperation in combating organized crime and terrorism. This partnership allows for the exchange of operational information, aimed at disrupting criminal networks. Brazil becomes the first Latin American country to formalize such an agreement with the EU, following strong historical collaboration with Europol. The agreement awaits the European Parliament’s consent for implementation, enhancing security on both sides of the Atlantic.
The European Union (EU) has formalized an agreement with Brazil to enhance collaboration between Europol and Brazilian law enforcement agencies. This arrangement aims to facilitate the exchange of vital operational information, improving the response to serious organized crime and terrorism on both sides of the Atlantic.
Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, signed the agreement in the presence of Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle. This partnership is crucial for reinforcing security measures and combatting transnational crime effectively.
Since 2017, Brazil has served as an important ally for Europol, demonstrating a potent track record in operational cooperation across various criminal domains, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and human trafficking. This new agreement aims to further solidify the collaborative efforts in dismantling criminal networks.
Notably, Brazil is the inaugural Latin American nation to sign such an agreement with the EU. The arrangement is subject to approval from the European Parliament and requires ratification before full implementation can commence. Europol is prepared to facilitate the agreement’s execution to enhance operational engagement against serious organized crime.
Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated, “International cooperation is a cornerstone of our work to strengthen the internal security of the EU and our partners. This agreement will provide us with the opportunity to enhance information exchange with a key partner, Brazil.”
Catherine De Bolle remarked, “This agreement marks a new chapter in our trusted partnership with Brazil. By strengthening our operational cooperation, we are enhancing our ability to tackle the most pressing security threats together.”
Europol’s strategy emphasizes collaboration with non-EU countries, recognizing that these partnerships are vital for effectively addressing serious organized crime. The agreement with Brazil exemplifies an increased commitment to responding to global criminal networks cooperatively.
Recent examples of successful operations that involved Brazil illustrate the tangible results of this cooperation, including the dismantling of a cocaine cartel and numerous arrests of major drug traffickers. Such endeavors underscore the significance of strengthening international collaboration to combat crime effectively.
The recent agreement between the EU and Brazil represents a significant step in strengthening international cooperation against organized crime and terrorism. By enhancing information sharing and operational collaboration, both parties aim to effectively disrupt criminal networks and ensure greater security. With the potential for formal implementation pending, this partnership could serve as a model for future alliances in the fight against transnational crime.
Original Source: www.europol.europa.eu
