The European Union has wide-ranging policies to build in the areas of freedom, security and justice for its citizens, as well as beyond its borders. Within this framework, Eurojust contributes to the judicial element: not only ensuring that criminals are caught, but that justice is done thereafter. Working with the various partners in the EU landscape is an important element to this end.

9.1. Consultative Forum

Prosecutors General and Directors of Public Prosecutions from the European Union gathered in October at Eurojust for the first time in two years for the 15th Consultative Forum. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation of the Forum was not possible in 2020. The digitalisation of justice and cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) were the main themes of the forum, with European Chief Prosecutor, Ms Laura Kövesi, also addressing the attendees.

The Forum was co-chaired by the Prosecutors/Attorneys General of all four Presidencies of the Council of the EU of 2021 and 2020, namely Slovenia, Portugal, Germany and Croatia.

 The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that crises are best met jointly. Therefore, we host the 15th Forum jointly as a clear sign of solidarity of the prosecution services in the European Union. Meeting again in person is a great privilege and pleasure, and will enable us to discuss new developments, such as cooperation with the EPPO and the digitalisation of justice. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown that the judiciary across the European Union has a need for fully fledged digitalisation, in order to fight cross-border crime efficiently in the future. This process needs to be accelerated.