IP/07/803

Brussels, 12 June 2007

The Integration of the "Prüm Treaty" into EU-legislation - Council decision on the stepping up of cross-border co-operation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime

Vice-president Frattini, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, welcomes the agreement on this legal instrument: "This is the result of very expedient discussions in the Council with a view to rapidly achieving real progress. Cross-border crime and terrorism demand an effective and efficient cross-border response by police and criminal justice. It is a very important first step in view of the implementation of the principle of availability."

The Justice and Home Affairs Council reached agreement about a Council Decision on the stepping up of cross-border co-operation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, incorporating in the framework of the Union important provisions of the Prüm Treaty dealing with police co-operation and information exchange on DNA-profiles, fingerprints and vehicle number-plates.

These elements of the Prüm Treaty, an international police co-operation agreement signed by Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Austria on 27 May 2005, have now become part of the legislative framework of the European Union and will be implemented in all Member States.

After this implementation, designated contact points of the law enforcement agencies in the Member States will have mutual access to each others' DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration information systems.

Moreover the Commission is confident that efforts will continue with a view to improving cross-border law enforcement co-operation throughout the EU and ensuring that protection of fundamental rights will be tackled and carried on with the same ambitious approach.

For more information on the activities of Vice President Frattini, please visit his website at

http://www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/frattini/index_en.htm