Eurojust supported large-scale judicial action on European level by hosting 17 coordination centres in 2017, representing an all-time high and surpassing the 13 coordination centres held in 2015. A total of 71 coordination centres were set up since 2011, when this operational tool was first established. The number of coordination centres also demonstrates that the judicial and law enforcement authorities of the Member States appreciate the efficiency of such a coordination tool in the fight against serious cross-border crime in Europe.
A coordination centre is set up when complex cases require real-time exchange of information and large-scale multilateral actions. By creating a central hub that facilitates the exchange of information and the execution of judicial and law enforcement measures during common action days, Eurojust provides support to the concerned national authorities. This support can take the form of constant monitoring and coordination of arrests, house searches and freezing and confiscation of assets, legal advice and technical aid. Coordination centres make the resolution of operational and judicial obstacles stemming from the actions taken and different domestic legal frameworks possible.
In 2017, more than half of the 17 coordination centres held concerned cross-border financial crime (VAT fraud, money laundering, fraud, smuggling and money muling), while others tackled trafficking in human beings, drugs and cybercrime.
Learn more about coordination centres:
Recent press releases on Eurojust's coordination centres:
Eurojust is an agency of the European Union