Third countries may appoint Contact Points for their relations with Eurojust. The Contact Points enable Eurojust and the competent authorities in third countries to establish rapid contact and assist each other when a crime extends beyond the European Union’s borders. Over 70 countries and 3 organisations have appointed Eurojust Contact Points.

Contact Points may work alongside Member State authorities during an investigation, either remotely or by attending coordination meetings at Eurojust. In the absence of an agreement on cooperation or an adequacy decision on data protection, the involvement and participation of national authorities of third countries, including Eurojust Contact Points, in operational meetings requires a prior decision by Eurojust on the transfer of operational personal data to that country, on a case-by-case basis in accordance to its Regulation.

Contact Points are usually appointed at the level of general prosecution office, ministry of justice or the country’s diplomatic representation in The Hague.

Contact Points ensure that support is provided to and sought from Eurojust in strategic and operational matters related to cross-border judicial cooperation aimed at combatting serious and organised crime. They have access to a dedicated mailbox to seek Eurojust’s assistance in a fast and secure way. Contact Points may be called to perform such functions as:

• Expediting, coordinating or facilitating the exe¬cution of requests for judicial cooperation;
• Clarifying particular provisions of national legisla¬tion or providing legal advice related to the legal system of their country;
• Enabling direct contact and smooth communica¬tion between Eurojust and with national competent authorities;
• Attending and/or facilitating the participation of competent national authorities in coordination meetings at Eurojust or in joint investigation teams supported by Eurojust;
• Addressing Eurojust requests to assist in specific cases, such as advice on the preparation of or following-up on the execution of judicial cooperation requests to specific EU Member States;
• Addressing Eurojust requests to assist with the setting up and financing of joint investigation teams.

Eurojust strives to maintain regular contact with the Contact Points in order to continuously improve the mutual understanding of cooperation needs.

Contact Points for Eurojust may also be appointed by judicial networks and associations. The Ibero-American Association of Public Prosecutors (AIAMP), CPLP Anti-Drug Prosecutors Network and the West African Network of Central Authorities and Prosecutors (WACAP) have appointed such Contact Points.