After the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2004 between the public prosecutors of the aforementioned accession candidates, good working relations have been established between the public prosecutor’s offices in the Western Balkans. Today hundreds of cross-border requests are exchanged between countries, as a part of the investigations and prosecution regarding organised crime. A network of amicable and reliable relations has been established, which provides a sound foundation for everyday professional exchanges and co-operation.

The project has helped the beneficiaries in the accession candidate countries to continue harmonising their legislation with the acquis communautaire, to strengthen the co-operation with the European judicial institutions and enhance regional co-operation between the prosecutor’s offices and law enforcement authorities. In addition, the project has supported many cross-border operations and investigations which have resulted in the dismantling of organised crime structures in the Western Balkans and the EU member states.

For more information, please contact: Eric Vincken, Head of International Projects: vincken@cilc.nl