EU and Brazil sign international agreement to fight organised crime and terrorism

The European Union (EU) and Brazil have signed an agreement that strengthens the partnership between Europol and Brazilian law enforcement, enabling the exchange of operational information. This milestone will bolster joint efforts in tackling serious organised crime and terrorism, reinforcing security on both sides of the Atlantic.

The agreement was signed today by Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and the Minister of Justice and Public Security of Brazil, Ricardo Lewandowski, in the presence of Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle.

Brazil has been a key partner for Europol since 2017, with a strong record of operational cooperation across various crime areas, including drug trafficking, cybercrime and human trafficking. This agreement will further strengthen law enforcement collaboration, helping to disrupt criminal networks and combat transnational crime more effectively.

Brazil is the first country in Latin America to sign such an agreement with the EU. The agreement is now subject to the European Parliament’s consent before its final implementation. Europol stands ready to support its full execution, further deepening operational engagement with Brazil in the fight against serious organised crime.

Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, said:
‘International cooperation is a cornerstone of our work to strengthen the internal security of the EU and our partners. This agreement will provide us with the opportunity to enhance information exchange with a key partner, Brazil, and in turn increase Europol’s support to Member States’ cross-border criminal investigations.’

Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, added:
‘This agreement marks a new chapter in our trusted partnership with Brazil. By strengthening our operational cooperation, we are enhancing our ability to tackle the most pressing security threats together. Europol remains committed to working hand in hand with the Brazilian authorities to combat serious and organised crime.’

Cooperation with non-EU countries is a crucial component of Europol’s strategy to fight serious and organised crime. By strengthening operational ties with trusted international partners, Europol enhances the ability of EU law enforcement authorities to tackle transnational threats. Agreements like the one signed with Brazil reinforce Europol’s global network, allowing for a more coordinated approach to combating criminal networks that operate across borders.