This document is intended to provide guidance on the composition, activities and cooperation with external partners and third countries of the Network of National Experts on Joint Investigation Teams. It further elaborates on the principles set out in Council document 11037/05 – Joint investigation teams - Proposal for designation of national experts.

During the 13th Annual Meeting of the JITs Network, the JIT National Experts – while acknowledging the added value of the informal setting of the JITs Network – identified the need to elaborate and adopt additional specific guidance. It was emphasized in particular that a more detailed framework would be beneficial for the work of the JIT National Experts and could bring clarity, especially with regards to the involvement of external partners and third countries, the level of engagement of the JIT National Experts in the JITs Network projects, and the access to the JITs Restricted Area.

The Guidelines were updated in 2026 to reflect current practice, composition, and tasks of the JITs Network.