ICC President Tomoko Akane and Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle during the signature of the agreements ©Europol
On 18 September 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Europol took significant steps toward boosting international justice and security cooperation. Judge Tomoko Akane, the President of the ICC, and Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, met at Europol Headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands, to sign two critical agreements: a Memorandum of Understanding on secure communication and a Liaison Agreement.
These agreements are designed to operationalise and build upon a framework Working Arrangement that was established on 25 April 2023, further solidifying the cooperative relationship between the two institutions. By putting these agreements into practice, the ICC and Europol aim to enhance collaboration in areas such as information sharing, mutual expertise, and knowledge exchange.
A shared vision for justice
In her remarks, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane emphasised the importance of international cooperation in achieving global justice:
“Our two institutions share a fundamental understanding that international cooperation is key to the pursuit of justice. At this challenging time, the objectives of the Court, including the pursuit of an end to impunity in the context of full respect for the rule of law, can be best achieved in close cooperation and partnership with others. Today, we strengthen this cooperation by adopting frameworks for its practical implementation between our two institutions.”
The ICC, as the world’s first permanent, treaty-based international criminal court, is at the forefront of addressing the gravest crimes known to humankind, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression. The court seeks to end impunity for such atrocities, a goal that aligns closely with Europol’s mission.
Europol’s role in global justice
Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, plays a pivotal role in combatting cross-border crime by providing law enforcement authorities with advanced analytical expertise and criminal intelligence. Speaking on behalf of Europol, Executive Director Catherine De Bolle noted the significance of the partnership with the ICC:
“The cooperation between Europol and the ICC is of high interest to both parties in the fight against core international crimes. As law enforcement practitioners and especially for those of us who work in pursuit of international criminal justice, the International Criminal Court is a reference. It is a symbol for the international community’s efforts to hold accountable those guilty of some of the world’s worst crimes.”
Europol’s collaboration with the ICC is crucial, as many of the most serious international crimes often involve complex networks that span multiple countries. By establishing secure communication and formal liaison channels, these two organisations are better equipped to respond to crimes that challenge both national and international legal systems.
Strengthening global security
These agreements mark a new phase of operational cooperation between the ICC and Europol, reflecting a shared commitment to uphold justice and the rule of law. By working closely together, they aim to tackle the complex and interconnected nature of international crimes, ensuring that the perpetrators of atrocities are held accountable.
In an era where global crime knows no borders, partnerships like the one between the ICC and Europol are essential for creating a safer, more just world. These agreements serve as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing the gravest challenges to peace, security, and human rights.
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