Casework is at the core of Eurojust. Member States requested Eurojust’s assistance in 2 306 cases in 2016, representing an increase of four per cent compared to 2015. Judicial cooperation, coordination and the exchange of information between Eurojust, national competent authorities, JHA agencies and third States are the fundamental elements in Eurojust’s work. This report illustrates the lifecycle of a case, the effectiveness of Eurojust’s coordination tools with a focus on level II meetings, and the increasing use of joint investigation teams.

Eurojust is a bridge-maker. Under its roof, Eurojust brings together the 28 National Members who support their Member States in investigations and prosecutions and in sharing best practice. Recognising also the important role of the national correspondents for Eurojust for terrorism matters, we are intensifying ties and support to the now formally established judicial cybercrime network. Further, we are looking into strengthening Eurojust’s involvement in the European Counter Terrorism Centre at Europol, building on the experience of joint cooperation in EC3.

Crime is borderless, and cooperation with third States is essential. Over the years, we note an upward trend in the involvement of third States in Eurojust cases, coordination meetings and joint investigation teams. In 2016, Eurojust concluded new cooperation agreements and further enlarged its worldwide judicial contact point network. Three Liaison Prosecutors, from Norway, the USA and Switzerland, are hosted by Eurojust. In this report, the Swiss Liaison Prosecutor gives insight into her work and the added value of close cooperation with Eurojust.