Europol stresses need for Algeria -EU close cooperation in counterterrorism

27 January 2016 09:28
BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) – Director of the European Office of Police (Europol) Rob Wainwright on Tuesday in Brussels underlined the need for a close cooperation between the European Union (EU) and third countries in the fight against terrorism, in particular with Algeria, which acquired experience in this field.
“The EU wishes to reinforce its cooperation with third countries in the fight against terrorism, notably with Algeria which gained experience in this field. We want to take advantage from the experience of these countries,” he said during a seminar held by the European Parliament on EU response to terrorism.

According to its top official, Europol cooperates with several European partners as well as with third countries and organizations.

“Sharing information with these partners is made on the basis of cooperation agreements,” he added while regretting that ” Algeria has not concluded formal agreement with Europol.”

Two types of agreement determine the nature of Europol cooperation with third parties. The

startegic agreements allow the two parties to share all the information, except the personal data while the operational agreements authorize exchange of data, even the personal ones.

“Our collaboration passes through Interpol,” which is seen in several aspects of Europol’s operational working, he said.