The EU and Brazil signed an agreement to enhance cooperation against organized crime and terrorism. This strengthens operational information exchange between Europol and Brazilian law enforcement. The agreement, signed by key officials, is the first of its kind in Latin America, pending European Parliament consent for implementation. It aims to disrupt transnational criminal networks and improve security on both sides of the Atlantic.
The European Union (EU) and Brazil have formalized their partnership through a new agreement aimed at combating organized crime and terrorism. This agreement enhances the operational exchange of information between Europol and Brazilian law enforcement, supporting joint efforts to address security issues across the Atlantic. The agreement was signed by Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, and Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, in coordination with Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle.
Brazil has collaborated with Europol since 2017, contributing significantly to various operational initiatives including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. This new agreement is expected to further strengthen law enforcement collaboration between the EU and Brazil, enabling effective disruption of transnational criminal networks. As it stands, Brazil is the first Latin American nation to initiate such an agreement with the EU, pending consent from the European Parliament for full implementation.
Commissioner Brunner emphasized the importance of international cooperation in enhancing the internal security of the EU and its partners. He noted: “This agreement will provide us with the opportunity to enhance information exchange with a key partner, Brazil, and in turn increase Europol’s support to Member States’ cross-border criminal investigations.”
Catherine De Bolle also indicated the significance of this partnership, stating, “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.” This agreement exemplifies Europol’s commitment to working alongside Brazilian authorities to address serious organized crime effectively.
Cooperation with non-EU countries is integral to Europol’s strategy in countering organized crime. Strengthening ties with international partners like Brazil enhances the capabilities of EU law enforcement to address transnational threats. The agreement fortifies Europol’s global network, facilitating a coordinated response against cross-border criminal activities. Recent operations involving Brazil highlight this collaboration, including arrests and drug seizures significant to Europe’s security landscape.
The recent agreement between the EU and Brazil marks a pivotal step in enhancing security cooperation against organized crime and terrorism. By enabling the exchange of operational information, both entities aim to streamline their efforts against transnational crime networks. As the first Latin American nation to sign such an agreement with the EU, Brazil’s involvement is poised to amplify Europol’s capacity in addressing significant security challenges. This partnership underscores the monumental role of international collaboration in tackling global crime.
Original Source: www.europol.europa.eu
