EUROJUST is an independent judicial cooperation agency of the European Union (EU) established to enhance and coordinate the investigation and prosecution of serious cross-border criminal activities across EU member states. It was established in 2002, with headquarters located in The Hague, Netherlands.
EUROJUST serves as a platform to facilitate the coordination and cooperation between national judicial authorities of EU member states by providing a legal framework for exchanging information, evidence, and intelligence in cross-border criminal cases. The main objective of EUROJUST is to strengthen the fight against serious international crimes, such as organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, corruption, and human trafficking.
The agency comprises representatives from each EU member state, including prosecutors, judges, or police officers, specializing in international cooperation. EUROJUST operates as a central hub for coordinating and facilitating joint investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings among EU member states, offering solutions to overcome legal, practical, and logistical obstacles that may arise during the process.
EUROJUST also plays a crucial role in facilitating the execution of European Arrest Warrants, mutual legal assistance requests, and extradition procedures among member states. It promotes the harmonization of national legislations, procedures, and practices to ensure effective and efficient cooperation throughout the EU.
Furthermore, EUROJUST collaborates closely with other EU agencies, such as Europol and the European Judicial Network, as well as with non-EU countries and international organizations, to combat transnational crime and strengthen the rule of law within the EU and beyond.
