Operational agreement between the us and europol
- Country: Netherlands
- City: The Hague
- Type: Bilateral
- Scale: International
- Category: Operational work and support
Description
In the aftermath of 9/11, the US and the EU police agency Europol signed an operational agreement to enhance cooperation between the two parties on several areas of crime including terrorist activities. The agreement defines 'strategic information' including the sharing of information such as threat assessments and 'technical information' such as the sharing of training methods and procedures.
Coordination Patterns
Europol headquarters also hosts liaison officers from 11 US law enforcement agencies, including US Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, ICE, the New York Police Department, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). JHA ministerial meetings and senior officials' Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) meetings are held twice a year as a regular framework dialogue on all JHA topics, including counter-terrorism.
Role of the EU
Through the Operational Agreement the EU exchanges strategic and technical counter-information with US law enforcement infrastructures, including that which relates to crimes committed or likely to be committed in the course of terrorist activities against life, limb, personal freedom or property.
Relevance for the EU
The agreement aims to enhance the cooperation of the Member States of the European Union, acting through Europol, and the United States in order to strengthen mutual capabilities in the prevention, detection, suppression, and investigation of serious forms of international crime, including terrorism.