The EU praised the results of the work of law enforcement agencies during wartime
This was stated today, April 27, 2023, during the 8th meeting of the Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security of the Association Committee between Ukraine and the EU, which was attended by Deputy Minister Alexey Sergeyev.
During his speech, Alexei Sergeev emphasized the change in the functionality of law enforcement agencies during the martial law regime, and also spoke about the participation of the units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in repelling armed aggression. In addition, he said that in order to implement the recommendations of the European Commission set out in the conclusion on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for accession to the EU, the Ministry participated in the development of the draft Comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Reform of Law and Order Authorities as part of Ukraine's security sector.
At the same time, the EU side highly appreciated the results of the work of law enforcement agencies during wartime, in particular in strengthening border protection and ensuring the fight against crime.
The Deputy Minister also informed about the implementation of the Strategy for Combating Organized Crime and the introduction of the SOCTA Organized Crime Threat Assessment Methodology in the work of law enforcement agencies.
The parties also discussed cooperation in the field of combating cybercrime and trafficking in human beings, countering and stopping the illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs.
Particular attention was focused on issues of interaction with Europol, in particular on cooperation within the framework of Europol's Analytical Project on Major International Crimes. It was stressed that the issue of documenting and investigating war crimes needs increased attention and therefore wider support from the international community.
Alexey Sergeev noted that despite the need to respond to wartime challenges and threats, the bodies and units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have strengthened cooperation with the European Union, in particular, they joined the European Migration Network, the European Network of Explosive Services, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Today, the National Police is an active participant in 15 action plans of the European Interdisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats.
Following the results of the meeting, the parties agreed on the need to strengthen the operational exchange of information, stressed the importance of adopting and implementing strategic documents, as well as the need to bring national legislation into line with EU law.
The EU side assured of continued consistent support of the state bodies of Ukraine and expressed readiness to provide expert assistance and continue implementation of joint projects.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
