The European Union is facing serious challenges in the upcoming years. Long-lasting economic malaise and dissatisfaction among citizens in Member States are leading to substantial changes in the political and security landscape.

In this demanding context, Eurojust is called upon to increase its contribution to the fight against new and emerging threats affecting the European Union and its citizens, mainly arising from terrorism and the phenomena of foreign terrorist fighters, illegal immigrant smuggling and cybercrime.

A meaningful response to these threats must include effective prosecution of criminals across Europe, ensuring a well-functioning criminal justice system. In this landscape, Eurojust is playing a crucial role, as shown by the increasing number of operational cases coordinated by Eurojust, and of coordination meetings and coordination centres organised every year.

The budget 2018 reflects the financial and human resources required to perform this increasing operational activity and to meet the growing demands for assistance from national authorities.