The two JITs were signed at Eurojust alongside two coordination meetings, which enabled the participating authorities to exchange information, identify investigative priorities and discuss coordinated judicial measures to address the cross-border nature of the criminal networks involved.

This is the first time that Albania and the Attorney General’s Office of Colombia have established joint investigation teams together, marking an important step in strengthening interregional cooperation between Latin America and the Western Balkans. It also reflects Eurojust's continued efforts to enhance cooperation within and between these regions, which are considered strategic for EU Member States in the fight against serious and organised crime.

Additionally, considering that the traceability of resources derived from criminal activities and the pursuit of criminal finances both within and outside the territories of the parties are essential for criminal prosecution, the component to impact assets of the investigated criminal structures was included in both JITs.

A joint investigation team is one of the most advanced tools for international cooperation in criminal matters. It is based on a legal agreement between the competent authorities of two or more States to carry out coordinated criminal investigations. Supporting JITs – operationally, legally and financially – is a core part of Eurojust's work, including through the Western Balkans Criminal Justice (WBCJ) Project when Western Balkan partners are involved.

The establishment of the JITs was coordinated at Eurojust by the WBCJ Project, with the support of the EL PACCTO 2.0 programme, which facilitated the participation of the Colombian authorities to thus ensure effective outcomes in the investigation and prosecution of these transnational criminal networks.