German EU Presidency Announces Program on Police and Judicial Cooperation

On December 22, 2006, the German Presidency announced its program on police and judicial cooperation for the Council of the European Union. 1. Expanding the European Information Network The Presidency prioritizes a European network to implement the principle of availability and ensure police and security authorities have the best supply of all necessary information. The “Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on improved effectiveness, enhanced interoperability and synergies among European databases in the area of Justice and Home Affairs” has proposals which must be considered when expanding the European information network. The Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council must ensure that EU information systems for countering terrorism and serious cross-border crime are available to police and security authorities. Additionally, EU Members must offer one another access to the national information systems to the necessary extent. Access must be offered to Europol and Eurojust as required to discharge their duties. ... [more]