The nine EU Agencies active in the field of freedom, security and justice convened today in Budapest for a high-level meeting, chaired by CEPOL, to take stock of the main achievements in 2022, which includes the ongoing engagement with Ukraine and Moldova.
The European Union’s Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) agencies have taken significant steps in supporting Member States and Institutions in responding to Russia’s military aggression over Ukraine. As discussed in the meeting, further efforts are underway to monitor the situation and help ensure the collective response meets the changing needs.
The event gathered also representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, the General Secretariat of the Council, the European External Action Service, as well as the Czech EU Presidency.
Ms. Monique Pariat, European Commission’s Director General for Migration and Home Affairs stated: ‘Thanks to the Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, our presence as European Union where it is needed on the ground, is stronger, more timely and efficient. Together, we respond to the ongoing challenges and we stand ready to tackle any future ones.’
CEPOL’s Executive Director, Ms. Montserrat Marín López, highlighted the importance of the JHA Agencies’ Network: ‘Together, we contribute to the implementation of the EU’s objectives on migration, asylum and external border management, the fight against organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, gender equality and respect for fundamental rights. Let us continue on our path to forging stronger strategic links in these particularly challenging times.’
Quote from EMCDDA Director, Alexis Goosdeel: ‘For over 10 years, the EU Justice and Home Affairs Network has served as a platform for cooperation, exchange of expertise and joint action. In 2022, the JHA Agencies remained committed to jointly responding to emerging security and migration challenges, such as the war in Ukraine, security at the EU border, drug trafficking and terrorism. We must continue our joint efforts to provide coordinated and timely responses and build the network’s preparedness to react to future security challenges.’
Alexis Goosdeel, EMCDDA Director
Other topics on the agenda included a presentation of the extended mandate of Eurojust to help the work of Ukrainian authorities in investigating war crimes, an update on the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security by Europol, as well as an overview by Frontex on border management under crisis and its impact on security architecture. Also, CEPOL outlined their new strategy for the period 2023-2027 while the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA) presented their work programme for the incoming presidency of the network in 2023.
Below main achievements of the network in 2022: