Europol and Eurojust have recently signed a contribution agreement that will expand their partnership in supporting law enforcement and judicial authorities with cross-border access to electronic evidence. This new agreement, in place from January 2021 to June 2024, reinforces the success of the SIRIUS project and sets about its second phase of development and enhancement. Launched by Europol in 2017, the SIRIUS project aims to foster the co-development of practical and innovative tools and solutions for EU law enforcement and judicial authorities that can support internet-based investigations. Eurojust has made a significant contribution to the SIRIUS project by providing the perspective of EU judicial authorities. Under this new agreement, Eurojust becomes a full partner of the project.
The practical measures outlined in the new agreement are:
- Strengthen and speed up direct cooperation between law enforcement authorities and online service providers to access e-evidence by exchanging experiences;
- Exchange best practices and training for EU practitioners on applicable rules in the US related to the mutual legal agreement procedure;
- Expand the geographical focus of SIRIUS to develop collaboration on existing initiatives and projects with selected non-EU countries based on the interest of EU Member States.
About SIRIUS
Created by Europol in October 2017, the SIRIUS project is a central reference point in the European Union for knowledge sharing on digital cross-border investigations for law enforcement and judicial authorities. SIRIUS products and services are currently available to more than 5,000 practitioners, representing all EU Member States and 17 non-EU countries. Eurojust, a partner in the project since early 2018, has become a full co-beneficiary of the funded action. Moreover, the European Judicial Network also closely collaborates with the project.
The SIRIUS project has received funding from the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.
Source: Eurojust
