Luxembourg, 2 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union justice ministers have moved the Eurojust reform forward after discussing plans to strengthen the EU agency’s ability to support national authorities investigating and prosecuting serious cross-border crime. Ministers provided political guidance for further negotiations, with governance and cooperation with non-EU countries among the central issues.
The discussion took place during the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg under Ireland’s presidency of the Council. It represents an important stage in negotiations but does not amount to final approval of the proposed new mandate.
EU ministers focus on stronger cross-border crime powers
Eurojust, based in The Hague, helps national judicial authorities coordinate investigations and prosecutions involving crime that crosses national borders.
According to the Council, ministers held a public policy debate on revising the agency’s mandate and provided guidance for work towards a Council negotiating position. Particular attention was given to Eurojust’s governance and how the agency should cooperate with third countries when combating organised crime.
The European Commission presented its legislative proposal on 24 June 2026, describing a criminal landscape that has become more sophisticated, international and digital. The proposed rules are intended to improve cooperation between prosecutors, courts and other authorities dealing with serious criminal networks and terrorism.
Eurojust reform targets cybercrime and emerging threats
The proposed Eurojust reform would strengthen the agency’s operational capabilities and expand support in emerging areas of crime.
The Commission says the revised framework would improve Eurojust’s ability to address cybercrime, violations of EU sanctions and gender-based violence. It would also strengthen cooperation with EU and international partners while modernising the agency’s governance and internal structure.
The proposal follows a Commission evaluation published in 2025 that identified opportunities to simplify and improve Eurojust’s work. The Commission describes the 2026 proposal as the first comprehensive review of the agency’s legal framework.
Commission calls stronger Eurojust essential
European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen reinforced the case for an expanded mandate during a visit to Eurojust headquarters in The Hague on 28 September.
Virkkunen said a stronger Eurojust was “essential” to ensuring that law-enforcement action is effectively followed through by the justice system. She met Eurojust President Michael Schmid and Administrative Director Vincent Jamin during the visit.
International cooperation has also become increasingly prominent. On 28 September, Eurojust and the United Arab Emirates signed a working arrangement intended to strengthen strategic cooperation and information exchange against serious cross-border crime. Eurojust said it was its 14th such working arrangement with a non-EU country.
Why stronger judicial cooperation matters for Europe
The proposed changes come as criminal investigations increasingly involve digital evidence, multiple jurisdictions and networks operating beyond the EU’s external borders.
Recent operations illustrate the international nature of Eurojust’s work. On 30 September, the agency supported coordinated searches involving authorities in Germany, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy and Poland in an investigation concerning an alleged extremist organisation.
For EU governments, strengthening judicial coordination is intended to ensure that greater law-enforcement cooperation is matched by the capacity of prosecutors and courts to handle complex cases across borders.
What happens next with the Eurojust proposal?
Negotiations will now continue at Council level as member states work towards a formal negotiating position. The guidance delivered by ministers in Luxembourg will shape that process, particularly discussions over governance and international cooperation.
The proposal is an EU legislative measure involving both the Council and European Parliament. Further negotiations will therefore be required before revised rules can become law.
Friday’s meeting marks progress towards a stronger mandate, but the Eurojust reform remains under negotiation and has not yet received final legislative approval.
